Top Cats do it again

NJ Sharks took on a undefeated Connecticut Wildcats side in NY on Saturday (28th June) under scorching hot conditions with Connecticut winning the battle 34-20.

Although the Sharks welcomed back Phil Shipos (a season in Australia), Jo-Jo Gerry, and Zac Paget (from injury) they played without five of their main starters (three in the forwards, two in the backs).

Shark administration gave this comment "We look forward to playing a game where we have our strongest team. Every week we have missed at least three starters. Hopefully we can pull our full side together in the playoffs."

Even with the loss, the Sharks pulled out a decent perfomance. With only limited substitutes, the heat took its effect on the travel weary team. To their credit they never gave up, scoring two tries in the closing minutes of the game.

Chris Bailey had his best game of the season to date, with big tackles and runs including a 60 meter try of an intercepted pass. Mike McKenzie, Jo-Jo Gerry, Fred Koniecki and Aussie "Spinner" Howland ran hard in the forwards. Fred K., coming off his first win as a Tomahawk (which included a try against Japan), had another great game. Zac Paget was back to himself with a great try running through three defenders. Sal Raniello, Dave Cunliffe, and Steve Thompson worked well as inside backs, while Spiros Malaspina, Kevin Castner, and Phil Shipos were solid on the outside.

For the Wildcats Danny Bull, Lawrence Raleigh and Rich Portale all played well causing problems for the Sharks all day. The Wildcats will take a well earned break before facing form team DC Slayers at Sea Isle in a Cross Conference Challenge on July 19th.

• See Results for Points Standings
• See Game Stats

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