"Scrum against the Storm"

AMERICAN NATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE
HURRICANE KATRINA
RUGBY LEAGUE BENEFIT MATCH

The 'Scrum Against the Storm' Rugby League Benefit Match proved to be a tremendous success in developing funds for the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. Although donations are still being processed, the AMNRL in association with Germantown Academy High School, managed to raise $7,000. A big thank you goes out to match organizer Jeff Preston, and the students and faculty of Germantown Academy in Fort Washington, PA for the use of their magnificent school facilities and efforts in hosting such a wonderful event.

Players from throughout the USA came together to comprise the US Allstars and World Allies squads, which thoroughly entertained a big crowd. Crowd favorites were the Tongan connection from Utah, Mo Tuifua, Naki Angilau, Joe Lomu, and Vea Ofa. All four displayed typical Polynesian power, and will certainly press for national selection when the Tomahawks play coming internationals, along with helping to develop Rugby League out west and specifically in the Utah region. Hayden "TLG" James representing Jamaica made a huge impression on the locals with his flowing dreadlocks and giant frame straight out of the WWE.

Steve Thompson, from the New Jersey Sharks, representing his homeland of England scored three slashing tries for the World Allies to head the scorers list. Others to cross the tryline for the World Allies were Ben Kelly, Joe Lomu, Naki Angilau, Marty O'Connell, Billy Weeks, and Col Manners. For the US Allstars, local hero Jeff Preston, brought the partisan crowd to their feet with every touch, and some great tries were scored by Matt Shannon, Gareth Gibbs with a double, Fred Backhaus, Phil Shipos, and Conway Maraki.

Both teams played entertaining Rugby League and the scorers were kept busy with a flood of tries, each converted by guest kickers picked from the crowd. The final score was deemed a 'draw' with the winner on the day being the much needed locals in the Gulf Region where the funds will be designated.

Highlights of the day included:-

-a fantastic skills and drills Rugby League clinic hosted by Bill Hansbury, Bill Horan and players from the AMNRL club teams that featured kids from local Rugby League programs along with Jack Breen and the West Chester East HS Rugby Team

-a wonderful performance by the Germantown Academy Singing Patriot Select Choir, led by Mr. Michael Kemp

-the 'immaculate non reception' by Jason 'the Falcon' Carletti playing on the wing for the World Allies. From the sideline it appeared that 'the Falcon' had a high up and under well covered but lost the ball in the sun as it drifted out of his reach, as he did a number of 360's looking like a Japanese Kamikaze Pilot from World War II spinning pretzel like into the turf

-the refereeing performance of Bill Bowen who's non partisan match officiating made certain that the game was an enjoyable spectacle

Congratulations and thank you to all those who contributed to a very worthwhile effort.