Round 5 wrap-up – Slayers undefeated

DC Slayers vs Philadelphia Fight
For the second week in a row, the number 1 and number 2 USARL teams competed for the coveted 1st place spot with both teams undefeated after 4 rounds of the competition. The clash was always going to be a tough encounter with the result not secure until the last quarter and the Slayers battling to a 24 -13 victory.   At one point Fight's Aussie half-back, Joel Weeks got the teams nose in front 13-12 with a one-point field goal but in the end, loss of possession and the heat of the day was the telling factor as the bigger Slayers wore down the Fight to take an 18-13 lead mid-way through the 4th quarter.  A final converted try minutes from of the end of the match saw them seal their victory 24 -13.

On their Slayers performance Coach Hanson said, "We knew the Fight were going to bring everything they had to this one to remain at the top of the board.  Our game plan execution went very well but did get a little sidetracked in the third quarter.  The lads rallied under Tim and Aaron and got it done today.  I couldn't be more pleased with their performance.  We now need to remain focused and finish out the rest of the season."
Final score Slayers 24, Fight 13.

Jacksonville Axemen vs New Jersey Titans
Tournament favorites Jacksonville Axemen traveled to New Jersey to take on season newcomers the Turnpike Titans on the hottest day of the season.  It was clear the heat would contribute to a high scoring affair as the teams shared three tries in the first ten minutes.  With the score favoring Axemen 12-6 a much fitter and more experienced Jacksonville's changed gears were able to run the ball out wide quickly tiring the Titans big men.  The heat and Titan's defense proved to be no obstacle to the Florida team as  Jacksonville were able to dominate the game and defeat the Titans 62-6.

The New Jersey Titans were unlucky on at least three occasions not to get across the line as the pressured the Axemen defense, but it was pure determination and the sting of the recent lose to the Philly Fight that kept the Axemen team working as a cohesive unit.   The game was a lot tougher than the score indicated with some very heavy defense coming from the New Jersey team and some very powerful runs that at times took four Axemen players to stop. It was the outside backs that showed the class however finding gaps out wide that allowed Kenny Britt to bag six tries for himself during the game.  The Axemen now return to Jacksonville this weekend after being on away for the last month as the face the Rhode Island Rebellion.
Final score Titans 6, Axemen 62

New Haven Warriors vs Oneida FC
New Haven had little trouble with new kids Oneida FC and they bullied their way to a convincing victory rebounding from the previous round loss to front runners DC Slayers.   The Warriors big men in Julian Lesange and Andrew Maroney steamrolled the inexperienced Oneida defense with halfback Taurean Sheehan wreaking havoc on the back of their damaging runs.   New Haven now enjoy their second home game in a row as the Philadelphia Fight travel to connecticut looking to avoid two losses in a row.
Final score Warriors 60, Oneida 12

Rhode Island Rebellion vs Boston Thirteens
After losing their first three games of the season, the Rebellion have rebounded with their second victory in a row smashing their new england brethern the Boston 13s by a final score of 48 to 0.   The Rebellion were firing on all cylinders as Boston had little answer to their speed attack in the sapping heat.  Boston had their fair share of chances but were unable to convert due to the swarming defense of the Rebellion team.   Next up the Rebellion travel to Jacksonville to take on the 2010 Champions in what will be accurate test to see how far they have come since round 1.
Final score Rebellion 48, Boston 13s 0

Click here for a full points standings