BULLS REMAIN UNBEATEN

July10, 2004 – Andrews’ Field; Norwalk, CT – It was every bit as close as the score-line indicates, as the Glen Mills Bulls stayed off a determined Northern Raiders squad 30-26, in furtherance of their quest for a perfect season. The kicking of the David Niu tilted the literal see-saw battle to the Bulls favor, as the teams traded 5 tries apiece over full-time. Niu was a perfect 5 for 5 on the day, giving the Bulls a 4-point cushion and the win.

Lenny Lux opened the scoring for the Bulls (conversion; Niu) and Ben Kelly answered back smartly to draw the score-line level (conversion; Venables). Joe Becker pulled the Bulls back in front when he recovered a misplayed high ball in the Raiders’ try zone (conversion; Niuy), and Dan Power replied quickly for the Raiders, but the conversion attempt was wanting (Bulls 12-10). Just before half-time, Bulls’ Skipper “Chief” Mains took his turn (conversion; Niuy: Bulls 18-10).

Raiders’ five-eight Marty “Mocha” O’Connell opened the second-half scoring as he sliced the Bulls defense to score from midfield (conversion; Mocha: Bulls 18-16). Marcus Vassilakopilous was not to be outdone, as he exploited a gap in the Raiders’ center to dot down himself from midfield (conversion: Niu: Bulls 24-16). Argentinian wrecking ball Allie Re scored his 7th try in 4 games between the posts to narrow the margin to 24-22 and the Raiders knew they were a chance (conversion: Mocha).

An outstanding individual effort by Joe Becker to deftly intercept a cut-out pass in the Raiders centers, and ensuing support and finish by Ryan McKinneri under the posts, proved the Bulls to be heaps more fit than they looked (conversion; Niu: Bulls 30-22).

The Raiders were not nearly finished, however, as “Mocha” O’Connell created a gap in the center of the Bulls defense and recovered a brilliant 40-meter chip and chase to draw the Raiders to within 4 points (conversion; Mocha: Bulls 30-26). After receiving the ensuing kick-off the Raiders marched their way down to the Bulls 30 meter line with a minute until full-time and 4 tackles to go. The gods were unkind, though, as the Bulls defense battened down the hatches and refused to yield another point.

As debutant Match Official Danny Bull blew the final whistle, it was unmistakably clear to both sides and fans alike that the Northern Raiders are a side to be reckoned with come playoff time. Best on the day for Bulls were Joe Becker and Marcus Vassilakopilous, while “Mocha” O’Connell and Jamie Rose stood out for the Raiders, as did Jeremy Kosbob, who received a surprise congratulatory handshake from League President David Niu, for his solid all-around performance.

The Bulls collected a maximum 5 points to bring them to a perfect 25 on the season, while the Raiders bagged 2 points to reach 8 going into the home stretch.

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