Fight and Axe raise the bar... from the Chairman

Firstly, off-the-field... the Jacksonville Axemen, by way of resources, energy and professionalism in preparation, presentation and hosting of the USARL's 2014 Championship Final at UNF's Hodges Stadium, Jacksonville.

Secondly, on-the-field... the Philadelphia Fight, in the way they performed under the unaccustomed Florida heat and humid conditions against a formidable foe to avert the challenge from their tough opposition to win the final contest of the year 30-18.

It was exciting and astonishing. A crowd pleaser that had it all. The toughest of encounters. Elation for the winners.

On behalf of the USARL Board of Directors and its Member Clubs, I wish to acknowledge and congratulate the hard work of all those involved in our game, not just this year, but for the past four years. Why?

Rugby League in the USA is at the crossroads of success and recognized participation. It has survived adversity and turmoil to grow and solidify... the future looks to be action-packed; providing opportunities for investment, development and sustainability. The Board of Directors and its Executive have worked hard in the past 4 years to secure the USARL's and Rugby League's future in the USA on both a domestic and international front.

For the Championship Final, congratulations and thanks are in order to the South East Rugby League (SERL) and its clubs, specifically the Jacksonville Axemen who hosted last weekend's Final. In a first for Rugby League in the USA, the Championship was broadcast live to local television with the USARL's Director for PR and Communications, Steve Williams assisting with commentating. The facilities and amenities assembled at Hodges Stadium provided an exceptional experience for fans, supporters and officials alike. To Jacksonville's Daryl 'Spinner' Howland, Drew Slover and their team, a big thank you is extended to those involved in setting up and making the day a success from an attendees, spectators and participants perspective.

A special thanks to Referees Vince Lawson (Championship Final) and Alan Chmielewski (New Zealand Blue Thunder vs President's Barbarians) along with John Freeman and his SERL match officials. These guys did not falter in their duties, under the same conditions as the players. Further thanks goes out to these 3 Match Officials for their organization and administration of the USARL Referees during the season.

Also for the Championship Final, congratulations and thanks to the Philadelphia Fight, a Champion team performing at such a venue to play arguably the toughest and most physically demanding game seen in the USA. Both combatant teams, especially the victors, continually dragged themselves off the grass to make another tackle, another run, to go forward and not backward.

Thanks to both the Fight and the Axemen for a gallant effort on the day... providing the benchmark for future encounters and athletic attraction; providing a product that will appeal to those in both the commercial and promotional worlds.

Stay tuned for 2015.
Peter IllField - Chairman, USA Rugby League

Image copyright: Allene Rachal