In front of a roaring home crowd at City of Derry Rugby Club, the Northwest Vipers advanced to their first-ever national championship game by defeating the West Dublin Rhinos 23–21 in an instant classic American Football Ireland (AFI) Division One semi-final.
After finishing a stellar regular season with a 7–1 record, the Vipers defence secured the victory and punched their ticket to the 2026 Harp Bowl Final, booking a championship showdown against the South Dublin Panthers in Athlone on July 18.
5. Action from the Northwest Vipers v. West Dublin Rhinos Harp Bowl semi-final at Judges Road on the 4th July.
Tom Heaney (nwpresspics)
6. Northwest Vipers pre-match huddle before playing West Dublin Rhinos in the Harp Bowl semi-final at Judges Road on the 4th July.
Tom Heaney (nwpresspics)
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7. Northwest Vipers who played West Dublin Rhinos in the Harp Bowl semi-final at Judges Road on the 4th July.
Tom Heaney (nwpresspics)
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8. West Dublin Rhinos.
Tom Heaney (nwpresspics)
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