Hurricanes pick up steam to defeat Pioneers
With only a single day's rest from their Thursday night's match against Duhany Park Sharks, the USA Pioneers suffered an unexpected heavy injury toll during Saturday's defeat to the Jamaican Hurricanes 30-50.
On the other hand, a new and excited respect for their countrymen, came from the record crowd at Constant Spring Football Field in Jamaica.
Hurricanes and Jamaica Rugby League officials showed an elated appreciation for the USARL's decision to bring the USA Pioneers development squad to Kingston. The profile of the match attracted upwards of a 1000 excited spectators, a major lift since the Hurricanes inception in 2010.
The Hurricanes came out of the starting blocks with plenty of attacking flare to score 3 try's to the Pioneers 2 in the first quarter. The half-time score was also in favor of the hosts, 26-14.
Although the Pioneers won the 3rd quarter 12-10, they had lost Captain Coach, Craig Webb with a neck injury, and fullback Ryan Iovino, back injury, in the before halftime, along with Rugby League World Cup 2013 player, Michael Garvey, elbow, and Andrew Tully, shoulder during this quarter of play.
Additions to the injured list were center Tyler Ierardi & second rower Tristan Sylk.
The Hurricanes played a fast and incisive game, splitting the Pioneers defense with quick feet and continuous support for each other.
The Hurricanes ran out eventual winners, for the excited crowd, 50-30.