Act 5, Scene B4... What a Fight!

Columbia Maryland was the setting for a memorable nail bitter as the Washington DC Slayers and Philadelphia Fight fought to gain a secure second place in the ladder as the business half of the season got under way.

With both teams fielding players backing up from the USA/Japan event the night before, the game still managed to move at an electric pace that produced some of the best attacking football this competition has seen in recent years.

Both teams fought a tight defensive opening first quarter with some bruising hits from both packs of forwards. DC slayers offensive ability showed the upper hand with a willingness to allow their forwards to do early work in the tackle count before moving the ball outside to their speedy backline. The result frustrated the hard working Philadelphia as simple missed tackles opened up the field allowing the Slayers to score easily in the latter first half. The Fight weren't without their share of opportunities but couldn't capitalize as often against the hardworking defensive efforts by the Slayers with the half ending the D.C. leading 24 - 12.

DC opened the second half with all guns blazing after a tremendous backline thrust saw Captain Martin O'Donoghue dance and weave his way across the try line. As the Slayers celebrated what appeared to be another nail in the coffin, heated words exchanged as referee Alan Smithee signaled a drop ball when attempting to score.

The Fight breathed a sigh of relief and despite injuries to key forward Marlon Steele, they regrouped and pressed for yardage against a frustrated Washington team. The result saw Philadelphia throw the ball out wide to Brian Boyle who scored under the posts. The converted 6 point difference only added insult to injury as the Slayers were playing a rejuvanated Fight who refused to lay down.

Experienced D.C. forward David Faimanifo stepped up again for the tired looking Slayers with block bluster bursts that scattered the Philadelphia defense. Slayers Prop J.C. equally as dangerous found space through some weak Philadelphia defense that saw him score a 40 yard try untouched across the line. Steve Laake's golden boot didn't disappoint and the Slayers found themselves in yet another comfort zone with the score at 30 - 18.

From the ensuing kickoff the Slayers knocked the ball forward early in their tackle count and the Fight were given yet another lease of life. This time they didn't miss as Andrew Weetenkamp scored out wide right to a much elated Philadelphia team. As the kick missed right before the end of the 3rd quarter the score was D.C. 30 to 22.

Before the kickoff for the fourth quarter, the news of the New Jersey Sharks defeat at the hands of cross conference team Wildcats was announced bringing cheers from both teams.
Philadelphia clearly had the momentum for the 4th quarter after gaining easy yardage as a nervous looking Washington did their best to maintain the pace. Quick play the balls allowed the backs to get involved and halfback James Offsta sliced through the Slayers defense to score under the posts.

With the kick successful and only 2 points down the Fight found themselves on the attack again and in perfect position as David Faimanifo was penalized for holding down a player in the tackle. With 10 mins left on the clock Captain Jeff Preston decided to kick for the Penalty goal that brought the scores to 30 all.

As the game continued both teams were well aware they had played a fantastic game of football and the outcome would be decided by luck or fate. DC again refusing to let the game slip away counter attacked with a brilliant burst up the middle by David Faimanifo that saw halfback Andrew Sussean scoring out wide. With the kick missed and a Philadelphia didn't panic as they too brought back the ball the length of the field and found Anthony Rizzelo flying on the outside to work his way under the posts in the dying minutes. The successful kick saw Philadelphia leading 36 to 34 and all but home as they took the ball from the kickoff with over a minute remaining.

What should have been the closing plays of the game found Fight forward Jason Beltzner twisted in a tackle that forced a drop ball and easy possession for the DC to score right on full time.

Both teams couldn't believe the outcome as they were well aware they had taken part in a sensational game of Rugby League.

Fight Captain Jeff Preston was quoted "In my 10 years playing rugby league, at the club level and international, I have seldom been involved in a game like this one. The game that occurred between the Fight and the Slayers was some of the best tackling, running, kicking, and ball movement that I have seen in our competition" He went on to say "If Sat is an example of where this game is now and where it is headed, well then the future looks very bright for our competition".

Final Score Washington DC 40 defeated Philadelphia Fight 36

• See Results for Points Standings
• See Game Stats

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