Semi-Finals - Niu balls please

Glen Mills charged their way to a sixth consecutive Championship Final appearance despite being down 22 - 6 minutes before the end of the first half. It was a game of two halves of football as both both teams treated each 40 minutes very differently with Glen Mills proving to critics that they can play second half football when most needed.

The game started with the Bulls forwards throwing everything at the smaller Sharks pack (without injured Justin Zadnik) and New Jersey showing great disiplince to weather the fiery storm. Sharks playmaker Dave Cunliffe took control in the opening 10 minutes displaying all the right skills by scoring two tries that shocked Glen Mills with their smash and bash game plan. Despite Bulls fullback Erik Holligsworth replying with a score right near the posts the Sharks again saw Cunliffe cross the line with his third try in the first 30 minutes.

For the first time the Sharks could sense panic in the well seasoned Glen Mills outfit and didn't let up as French import Joe Costa showed great skill off some clever ball movement outwide to stretch the lead to 16 with only minutes remaining in the first half.

Glen Mills answered by throwing caution to the wind and placed a towering ball right from kickoff deep into Sharks teritory that saw the Bulls Pat McShea regain the ball and drive it within yards of the try zone. Kevin Deal continued the mommentum and crossed seconds before half time to give the Bulls some hope going into the next 40 minutes.

During the break Bulls halfback David Niu challeneged his team mates as to their place on the field and more importantly their desire to participate in the game. As the rest of team sat with their heads down he scathed each of the players for their lack of intensity and questioned if they reliazed this may be the first time that the great club may not make the final.

His words were then followed by actions as in the opening minutes he guided them around the field with precision kicking and controled passing shorlty after the Sharks commited several crucial errors in their own zone. Within a blink of an eye the Bulls bounced back with a controversial try to Erik Hollingsworth from a chip kick by Niu right under the posts. This was soon followed by Australian hooker Michael Tesoriero in the exact same position again setup by Niu.

Bulls and USA lock Marcus Vassilakopoulos decided that it was his turn to score and a determined run saw him cross the line to a bewildered Sharks that hadn't recovered from the first set of points. From there the Bulls forwards went on a rampage as Ed Woodbridge and Mike Edwards tore up the field with bulldozing runs that had the Sharks scattered all across their home turf. Shayne Mains continued to cause panic in defense as one by one the Sharks ball carriers came off second best to his brusing tackles.

Despite another score by Sharks Derek Tulley, New Jersey had realized their chance for finals glory had slipped by as a new and more determined Bulls outfit had been given a second chance. Points were easily racked up by Dave Nui, Chris McGuirk, Michael Tesoriero and Jason McCarthyn with only a consolation try to Sharks Zack Padgett minutes befor the end.

As the Bulls celebrated their sixth Grand Final appearence in as many years, certain Sharks found it easier to congradulate the Bulls rather than look for answer from their own players. Sharks coach Darren White didn't point the blame at any one player in particular but simply offered "They played better and wanted to win more than us. It would have been a lot easier to win if we had done then same"

Glen Mills Bulls now face the Connecticut Wildcats this Saturday at Jack Pearson Stadium, Glen Mills at 6pm.

Glen Mills Bulls 48 defeated New Jersey Sharks 30
Game Venue: "Shark Park" Falls Township Community Park, Levittown PA 
Referee: Ryan McGough            
Half Time: Sharks 22 - Bulls 10             
Sharks Try Scorer: Dave Cunliffe (3); Joe Costa (1); Derek Tulley (1); Zack Padgett (1)
Sharks Goals: Dave Cunliffe (3)           
Bulls Try Scorer: Erik Hollingsworth (2); Michael Tesoriero (2); Kevin Deal (1); Dave Nui (1); Chris McGuirk(1); J McCarthy (1)
Bulls Goals: Dave Nui (5); Marcus Vassilakopoulos (2); Hickey (1)

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