Fight KO Boston to Remain Undefeated
It was a hot and muggy day at in Conshohocken, PA where the Fight were set to play their first home match in 2015 at AA Garthwaite Stadium.
The energy prior to kickoff was electric; everyone knew they were in for a good match and neither side disappointed.
The Fight wasted no time in scoring first points. It was the first time this season that the Fight were able to get the first try. Fight Import Rhys Bowdich had the honor. It came a quick dart from dummyhalf, scoring on the right hand side. Bowdich was simply sensational adding another try later in the second half.
The Fight then let off the gas as Boston was able to get settled into the match. For the next several minutes Boston would dictate the play forcing the Fight to make errors in their own half. Boston would take advantage of these errors, scoring two tries and making the score line read 12-6 just after the 25 minute mark.
Fight import and 5/8, Dan Monteleone, took matters into his own hand as he scored under the posts from a deceptive show and go, slicing through the line and dotting the ball down under the posts. He converted his own try. However, the Fight were not able to hold this score line and Boston went over at the 36 minute mark, regaining their lead with a score of 18-12.
Things looked down for the Fight just before halftime until Boston made a crucial handling error in the ruck area. Hooker Jared Frymoyer, in perfect position, pounced on the loose ball and scored right under the sticks. Frymoyer’s performance was flat out dominate. The colorful hooker was strong in both attack and defense, stifling any attack Boston threw his way. His work earned him Man of the Match.
In the second half, the seesawing continued. Boston was able to regain the lead off another four pointer at the 50 minute mark. The Fight soon answered as Frymoyer went over the whitewash for his second. It was another smart dart out of dummyhalf which leveled the scores at the 55 minute mark.
The Fight were able to add onto their lead moments on their next set. Winger Mike Timpano went over for his first try of the season after an outstanding off load from his center partner Mike Garvey; however, Timpano was not able to convert, missing his first conversion this season. The score line read 28-24 at the 60th minute mark.
The Fight, still having issues controlling the ball, turned the ball over in their own half once again. Boston made them pay, scoring in a try right under the posts. The converted try put Boston back ahead 30-28.
The final 15 minutes of the match was all the Fight. The answering try came by way of John Evangelista finishing a skillful play on the right hand side. The Fight scored two more quick tries, one from Casey Clark, and one from Rhys Bowdich. At the final whistle, the score read 46-30.
The Fight had a lot of heroes this game. Casey Clark put in a great performance, playing in an unaccustomed role of right center. He was named Player’s Player. Second rower Fraser Stirling, who played his first match with the Fight, showed his wealth of experience with some great defensive work and imaginative attack. Brandon Butler, who played his first match of Rugby League, showed some real promise.The big man made up for early errors with some big hitups and was strong in defense. Center Mike Garvey played his usual strong game, taking a scoots out of dummyhalf and creating problems for Boston’s defensive line.
In Round 4, the Fight will rematch the NOVA Eagles, but this time the Fight will play host.
- Tries: Bowdich (2), Frymoyer (2), Timpano, Evangelista, Clark, Monteleone
- 1st half score: 18-18
- Fulltime score: 46-30
- Man of the Match: Jared Frymoyer
- Player’s Player: Casey Clark
For photos of the game click here (Photos courtesy of Gene Thorpe official photographer of the Philadelphia Fight)