Fight Soar over Eagles

Both teams were coming off strong performances in Round 1 and looked to bolster their respective records heading into Round 2.

The Eagles were able to collect the first four pointer of the hot afternoon clash, scoring out wide on the Fight’s left hand edge. Twice in as many weeks, the Fight has allowed first points. Again, it seemed to wake up the Fight.

The Fight were able to get on the board when Mike Timpano kicked his first penalty goal of the season. With points on the board, the Fight’s confidence grew and Import Daniel Monteleone scored his first of 3 tries in right under the sticks.  Timpano, who was perfect for the second week in a row, converted. Timpano is now 14 for 14 for the season.

Monteleone had an excellent match for the Philadelphia Fight; once again he was instrumental in moving the Fight around the pitch with his right boot. Montelone’s three try performance and leadership qualities earned him the honor of Man of the Match.

The Fight continued to find ways to make the score board roll over. Captain Rich Henson was able to grow the lead scoring another try minutes after Monteleone with some fancy footwork around the ruck area. Leading 14-6, the Fight then got into some penalty trouble as Paul Boccuti was told to sit for 10 minutes after a dump tackle. The Eagles were able to take advantage of the extra man and crossed the whitewash in the right hand corner. Heading into halftime, the score line read 14-12 and both teams knew they were in a dog fight

The second half started out exactly the way the Fight planned. As the Eagles turned the ball over on the first set of the second half, the Fight capitalized. Hooker Jared Frymoyer scored on his first touch in the second half. Frymoyer went on to score two more tries. Frymoyer’s play in the afternoon was exceptional, making multiple meters with ball in hand and playing a stout defensive game. Frymoyer’s work rate earned him the Player’s Player award.

The Fight proved to be too strong for the Eagles in the second half. The Fight soon pulled away with tries two more tries from Monteleone and Frymoyer. Rhys Bowdich also got into the scoring frenzy, adding another one to his hefty season total.  The Eagles were able to score two more of their own making the final 50-22

As with Round 1, the tight conditions of the pitch provided a forward dominating game. As usual, Casey Clark put in another physically dominating performance as did second row partner Tristan Sylk. Zac Reichenbach, who played his first game as a member of the Philadelphia Fight, showed tremendous strength and physicality. Front rowers, James Coleman, Andrew Tully and Joe Cesario also put in strong performances in both attack and defense.

Round 3 will see the Fight play host to the highly talented Boston 13. Kickoff will be June 13 at 5pm.

• Tries: Monteleone (3), Frymoyer (3), Henson, Bowdich
• Goals: Timpano (7), Henson (2)
• 1^st half score: 14-12
• Fulltime: 50-22
• Man of the Match: Daniel Monteleone
• Players Player: Jared Frymoyer

For photos of the game click here (Photos courtesy of Gene Thorpe official photographer of the Philadelphia Fight)