BULLS BRING FERRAINOLA CUP BACK TO GLEN MILLS

On the strength of a powerhouse opening quarter, the Glen Mills Bulls reclaimed the Ferrainola Cup by overcoming a gallant Connecticut Wildcats by 32-24 at Jack Pearson Field. With unsettled weather conditions threatening to put a dampener on the occasion, it was the Bulls who made the best use of possession, field position and ultimately desire as the two champions of American Rugby League slugged it out for a bone jarring eighty minutes of football.

Kevin Deal playing at center caused headaches for the Wildcats backline all evening and his opening try set the tone for the Bulls machine to click into action. Follow up tries from set plays by Mike Edwards and Marcus Vassilakopoulos put the Bulls away to incredible 18-0 lead, and left the Wildcats in all sorts of trouble.

Sustained defense from both teams and forced turnovers led to the Wildcats clawing their way back into the match and go to the half-time break down 10-24, a scoreline that could have been far healthier for the Bulls had they been able to convert on a number of clear chances to score.

The second half was a tremendous display of tough uncompromising Rugby League as both teams knew what was at stake. The Wildcats played with a never say die attitude, while the Bulls clung to a lead that was in the balance with 15 minutes to play and the scoreline at 24-20. The Bulls defended tenaciously as the Wildcats opened up the game playing a superb passing game of catch up football. In the slippery conditions both teams should be commended for their ability to handle the slick football and make the most of passing movements.

Gareth Griggs threatened to break the game open on a number of occasions and his speed and footwork should certainly demand selection in future representative matches. Only 20 years of age, he looks to have a bright future in the game.

Desperation defence from both teams saw a number of certain chances go begging that kept the crowd on the edge of the seat all game long.

Shayne Mains and Danny Bull led the way for their respective clubs and it was down to the wire when Marcus Vassilakopoulos, the 2004 AMNRL MVP wrapped up the match with the winning try with minutes on the clock to seal a Bulls victory. Best for the Wildcats were Mulvihill, Bull, the Mathers brothers, Rich Portale and Gareth Griggs.

The Bulls had a number of super performances that helped to bring back the title to Glen Mills. Jonny Numa was devastating in the backrow and his combination with Marcus Vassilakopoulos on both sides of the ball was key to the Bulls 2004 campaign. Ben Mills has proven to be a danger with the ball with his strong line running and a solid defender on the flank for the Bulls. The Bulls also got great service from the interchange bench through Paul Dixon, Brian Confer, Ryan Kiniry, Jeff Rogg, and Al Glacken.

A highlight of the match was the 60 yard burst up the middle of the field by seven year veteran Jason MaCarthy who brought the crowd to their feet as his 270 pound frame rumbled up the middle of the stadium.

Up front Ed Woodbridge and Mike Edwards accepted the challenge from Wildcats hardmen Will Braizer and Greg Stelutti, in a battle that was sure to leave some bumps and bruises for days to come.

Special mention should be made about the performace of Tomahawks fullback Erik Holingsworth, who pound for pound is the strongest man in American Rugby League. His safe hands and sure defence have been a highlight of the Bulls success in 2004.

A great match was enjoyed by all those in attendance, and the high quality match was a testimony to the developing standard of Rugby League in the USA. The Wildcats have played in the past two Ferrainola Cup Finals, whilst the Bulls have appeared in an incredible seven in a row, winning five with the latest surely the most challenging and satisfying.

Glen Mills Bulls 32
Tries:
Kevin Deal, Mike Edwards, Chris Craig, David Niu, Marcus Vassilakopoulos
Goals:
David Niu 5 Conversions
David Niu 1 Penalty Goal

Defeated

Connecticut Wildcats 24
Tries:
Danny Bull, Mike Mulvihill, Gareth Griggs, Nate Smith, Ben Mathers
Goals:
Mike Mulvihill 2 Conversions

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