R8 - Bulls beat the Wildcats... almost!

The Glen Mills Bulls and Connecticut Wildcats presented a highly entertaining and physical encounter to determine the top place in the Lincoln Conference and provide a first round playoff bye.

With the New Jersey Sharks taking first place in the Franklin Conference, the match between the Bulls and Wildcats would define the makeup of the playoff schedule and both teams played as though it was an elimination round.

The Bulls knew prior to kickoff that a win bye 25 points or more would provide a first place finish and started the game as if that challenge would not be quite as difficult as it appeared.

With tries through Chris McGuirk and Shayne Mains the Bulls charged to an early lead of 12-0 and continued to power their way forward with a strong breeze at their backs to lead at halftime by 24-12.

Led by Australian trio Ben Shaw, Mike Tesoriero and Chris McGuirk, the Bulls looked to be in control. The Wildcats were shocked by the early challenge from the Bulls but through the experience of Tomahawks Internationals, Danny Bull, Mike Mulvihill,Rich Portale and Greg Stelutti and direction of Australian imports Ben Kelly and Lawrence Raleigh the points difference at the break was not insurmountable.

It was clearly evident that both teams were prepared to put everything on the line to win the match. The key was which team would make fewer errors as to who would be the victor at fulltime.

The second half proved to be a turnaround in fortunes for the Wildcats. With the wind behind them and their kicking game in order, the tide began to turn. Slick hands and power running saw the Wildcats lay on a number of quick tries.

The match was a great display of physical toughness from both teams. Clever skills with ball in hand, and exciting running was a feature of the match and the Wildcats laid on the try of the game with a passage of play that saw the ball exchanged between ten pairs of hands and moved 70 yards to almost bring them level with the Bulls with time on the clock running down.

With victory in sight the Wildcats turned the ball over in the Bulls end of the field. The ensuing play saw some selective passing and ball movement with Marcus Vassilakopoulos feeding Ben Mills for the winning try.

In what many fans would say was one of the great matches of season 2003, if not the history of the Ferrrainola Cup, the stage is now set for the playoffs to determine the clubs to contest this years trophy.

From what was observed in this game, it may well prove to be a Bulls v Wildcats Championship Final in 2003.

Best players for each team were:
Bulls - Chris McGuirk, Ben Shaw, Marcus Vassilakopoulos
Wildcats - Danny Bull, Rich Portale, Ben Kelly

• See Results for Points Standings
• See Game Stats

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