THE ROAD TO THE C.D. FERRAINOLA CUP GOES THROUGH CONNECTICUT

With both Connecticut teams successful in week one of the playoffs a tremendous round of Rugby League has been setup to determine the Championship Finalists.

The Franklin Conference Champion New Jersey Sharks will face reigning Cup Champions, the Connecticut Wildcats at Shark Park at 2pm this Saturday and the Lincoln Conference Champion Glen Mills Bulls will take on the Northern Raiders at Glen Mills at 6pm.

Sharks v Wildcats
at 2pm
at Shark Park
Falls Township Field, PA

The matchup between the Sharks and Wildcats will be a tight contest with both teams eager to advance to the Cup Final. In their last meeting in Sea Isle, the Sharks were victorious in a defeat that won't be easily forgotten by the Wildcats.

The key to victory for either side will be control of the football. Both New Jersey and Connecticut have skillful ball players, and the team that makes best use of possession will most certainly advance to the Cup Final. The Sharks are skilled in punishing turnovers and converting them into points, whilst the Wildcats are gifted in phase play and being able to develop momentum through unloading in the tackle. How either team manages use of the ball will be critical.

A number of interesting matchups will feature prominently in the outcome of the game.

The battle of the halves will be a tremendous tussle. Adam Dunn and Derek Tulley of the Sharks will be a tough challenge for Mike Mulvihill and Ben Mathers of the Wildcats. All defend solidly and each is able to break the line. The decisive factor could be which pair is best able to lead their team around the field, and most selective in choosing ball runners at the opportune time.

Zac Padgett has been having a big year for the Sharks and his running game has created havoc both in the ruck area and out wide. He has been well supported by the tough Steve Thompson in the backrow. His contest with Danny Bull and Brock Mathers will be an exciting highlight of the match.

Justin Zadnik of the Sharks and Will Brazier of the Wildcats will produce the go forward for each team on offense, and the bruise in the defense that big match playoffs are indicative of. Their clash up front will be interesting, as each will be intent on leading by example.

Rich Portale has been enjoying his role at hooker for the Wildcats and his ability to be in the right place at the time has translated into a number of tries this season.

The Sharks will be desperate to reach the elusive Cup Final they have been so near to in recent seasons and the Wildcats will be looking to make it a double. Whatever the result, it will be a sensational match for the fans of both clubs.

Bulls v Raiders
at 6pm
Jack Pearson Field
Glen Mills, PA

Can the Bulls make it seven Cup Final appearances in a row? Can the Raiders make it at their first attempt?

After a number of unsettled years at homes from Wilmington, Delaware to Southern New Jersey, the Raiders have finally found a base to develop from in Norwalk, Connecticut. And haven't they developed!

Under the guidance of former Wildcats star, Ben Kelly, the Raiders are a real threat to not only knock over the Bulls this Saturday, but go all the way and raise the Cup on August 14. Against all the odds they traveled to Washington, DC and beat the Slayers who many thought would be the 2004 Champions. Again they face a similar challenge this playoff match.

The Bulls will be aiming to return to the Championship Final and regain the Cup which has eluded them since 2002. It has been no small feat to develop such a winning tradition, and tremendous credit must go to the core of players they have achieved success with for so many seasons. One such player is their hooker Rick Forwood, enjoying his best ever season, who has notched up the incredible feat of playing his tenth consecutive season of Rugby League in the USA. A remarkable record given the short history of the game in America.

The key to victory for the Raiders will be the performances of Marty O'Connell, Jamie Rose, Ben Kelly and Dan Powers. Can their 'Aussie Connection' propel them to the next level and knock out the Bulls at home. If they can it will be the Bulls first sample of watching from the sidelines on Championship Final Night.

The return of Shayne Mains, Chris Craig, Matt Shannon, and Kevin Deal from injury will boost the Bulls chances. The question remains can the Bulls be as dominant as in past seasons with an ever aging halfback, and a serious question mark about their ability to finish games a hard as they start them.

Marcus Vassilakopoulos is on course to take out the 2004 MVP honors as his performances have been key to the Bulls recent success. If he can control his emotions and not allow his occasional brush with the referee interfere with his incredible talent the Bulls may have the edge.

So many exciting matchups are a feature of this battle, but none more then the Raiders ability to handle the big match atmosphere at Jack Pearson Stadium. Watch for the explosive hitting power of Joe Becker for the Bulls and Jamie Rose for the Raiders. Both will ignite the crowd on more then one occasion. Joel Venables will return the football with tremendous energy and his battle at the back end of the field with Erik Hollingsworth could hold the key to victory.

By late Saturday evening the contestants for the 2004 C.D. Ferrainola Cup will be known. Until then it will be a tough task to nominate who they might be.

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