Northwest Vipers Shock Top Seeds to Reach Fianna Bowl Final

Match Snapshot

Opening Overview

The Northwest Vipers Women's Flag Team produced the performance of the day to stun the No. 1 seeded Louth Mavericks 20-0 and secure their place in the 2026 Fianna Bowl Final.

Entering the semi-final as underdogs, the Vipers showed incredible composure, discipline and determination from the opening whistle. A dominant defensive display combined with clinical execution on offence saw the Vipers shut out one of the competition's strongest teams and earn a deserved place in the championship game against the Dublin City Wolves.

First Half Summary

The Vipers struck first through one of their most reliable combinations, as quarterback Cara Phillips connected with Rachel Reed for the opening touchdown of the game.

The defence continued to frustrate the Mavericks throughout the first half, with Tia Sadlon producing a crucial interception to halt another Louth drive and keep the momentum firmly with the Vipers.

Reed then continued her outstanding performance, finding the end zone once again before adding the one-point conversion herself to extend the Vipers' advantage to 13-0 heading into the break.

Second Half Summary

With the Mavericks searching for a way back into the contest, the Vipers' defence refused to give them any opportunities.

Rachel Reed came up with another huge defensive play, intercepting the Mavericks to once again swing possession in the Vipers' favour.

The offence capitalised immediately, as Cara Phillips linked up with Reed for her third touchdown involvement of the game, extending the lead to 20-0 and putting the result beyond doubt.

The defence closed out the game in dominant fashion, completing a remarkable shutout against the tournament's top seed as the final whistle confirmed one of the biggest wins in the Vipers Women's Flag programme's history.

Key Performers

Rachel Reed delivered a sensational all-round performance, scoring two touchdowns, adding a one-point conversion, recording an interception and playing a pivotal role on both offence and defence.

Cara Phillips once again led the offence with two touchdown passes while controlling the game throughout, and Tia Sadlon's timely interception helped keep the Mavericks scoreless.

The Vipers' defence was outstanding from start to finish, producing multiple turnovers and holding the No. 1 seeds without a single point in an exceptional team performance.

Closing & Next Fixture

With the upset complete, the Northwest Vipers now advance to the 2026 Fianna Bowl Final, where they will face the Dublin City Wolves for the championship.

After defeating the fourth seed Belfast Knights and now shutting out the top-seeded Louth Mavericks, the Vipers head into the final full of confidence, just one victory away from lifting the Fianna Bowl trophy.