WAR AT THE SHORE VII

The annual battle at the beach, an exciting date on the AMNRL calendar, kicks off this weekend at Deely Field in Sea Isle City, NJ. 'War at the Shore VII' has developed into a feature event for all the teams of the C.D. Ferrainola Cup Competition and evolved into a fun day of Rugby League for players, fans, families and friends.

The AMNRL will host all eight club teams in cross conference match ups beginning at 11am through late afternoon, and capped off with a party in the park with music, food and refreshments for all.
Historically the 'War at the Shore' has been played under fine skies at the Jersey Shore and has developed into an exciting event for beachgoers looking for entertainment away from the sand.



This year's matchups:

11am - Sharks v Bulls

This match represents the oldest standing rivalry in American Rugby League. Rarely do these teams meet without the final result being in the balance right up to the final whistle. The Sharks have been close to the Championship match in the past few seasons only to be denied by the Bulls on each occasion.

Past matches at the shore have had everything from bone crunching hits, classic tries, sin bins, and the odd push and shove just to keep the fans interested. This year will be no different. Both teams will be fired up for the contest and neither will be prepared to give an inch. Get to the field early, this match is a must see for those who like their football hard, fast and furious.

Celebrity Tipster Gregg Norman Picks - Sharks by 6

12.30pm - Fight v Knights

A crucial match for both teams. The Fight want to keep their winning form and the Knights want to get their season on track. Both squads are evenly matched and it should be an interesting tussle. The young Fight will have a big task ahead of them in containing the big Knights pack, but they may have the edge in speed and youth, a factor that the Knights need to be wary of.

Rob Balachandran and Matt Astill are desperate to rebuild the 2002 Cup Champions and need to get the job done in this match at the beach. Frank Rios and Joe Kellar will need to control the Knights forwards to allow players like Jeff Preston and Pat Kelly can get the ball in space. The earlier match will be for the fans of bone and knuckle. This match is for the fans of 'biceps and pecs'. Ladies get there to enjoy this one.

Celebrity Tipster Russell Crow Picks - Fight by 2

2pm - Slayers v Wildcats

The early season tip is that these two teams will be the 2004 Championship Final contenders. Both teams are big, strong and fast. Skill will be a deciding factor with Mike Mulvihill of the Wildcats likely to be a danger both with ball in hand and off his foot.

Marty O'Donogue, JC Rocha, Luis Tanvussi and Ric Dortone will need to be on the game against the Wildcats who will be dangerous out wide. Big Brock Mathers from Australia will create a lot of havoc around the rucks with both Danny Bull and Greg Stelutti sure to be a danger at all times.

David Faimanifo will be leading the Slayers pack, and if the 'mocca mountain' gets his arms free with support runners the Wildcats could be up against it. Expect plenty of action in this match as both teams will want to remain unbeaten and lead their respective conference ladders.

Celebrity Tipster George W Butsh - Slayers by 8

3.30pm - Mantarays v Raiders

The final match is anyone's guess. Both teams are looking for a win and will be out to get their campaign going in this match. Ben Kelly will have the Raiders primed for a big match and so too will his counterpart Fred Gruhler with the Mantarays. The difference in this match could be the impact of Tomahawks internationals, Dave Divalerio and Tim Griffiths.

Both have been plagued with injuries but always give 100% effort which could inspire the young Mantarays. The Raiders have some playmakers who can could tip the balance in their favor and the final result may come down to a kick at goal. This will be a close one and a great way to cap off the day of Rugby League. Watch out for a couple of youngsters in this match with speed to burn in green jerseys.

Celebrity Tipster Smarty Jones picks - Raiders by 1

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