US ASSOCIATION OF RUGBY LEAGUE OFFICIAL

Thirteens Book Place In National Championship Game

With a gritty 20-12 win over the reigning USA Rugby League champions, the Boston 13s beat the fight out of Philadelphia to book their place in the 2015 National Championship Game.
Thirteens Book Place In National Championship Game

The 13s shocked the home side by racing into a 12-0 lead, ex NRL player Dustin Cooper opened the scoring shortly followed by a great finish by free-scoring winger Ryan Forgione (Haverhill MA).

Both tries expertly converted by fullback Liam Georgetown.

The Philadelphia side continued to press and probe on offense and were eventually rewarded just before half time with a try by winger John Lyons.

The half time score 12-6 in the 13s’ favor.

A penalty kick by Georgetown opened the scoring in the second half, extending the 13s lead to 14-6.

What then followed was a defensive stalemate from both teams before veteran winger Kiwa Oakes touched down in the right corner. Georgetown expertly landing the conversion from the sideline to extend the lead to 20-6.

The Fight, sensing that time was running out, started to be more expansive with the ball. They had some successes but strong 13s defense thwarted most of their attacking efforts.

With five minutes to go they did claw 6 points back when experienced winger Mike Timpano scored and then converted his own try.

However, it turned out to be too little too late for the boys from PA, with a final blow of the whistle putting an end to their season.

Thoughts now turn to Jacksonville in two weeks where the 13s will face off against champions of the South the Atlanta Rhinos (32-28 winners over the Central Florida Warriors). The game is at the University of North Florida with a 7pm kick off.

Boston 20 (Cooper, Forgione, Oakes) Georgetown 4/4

Philadelphia 12 (Lyons, Timpano) Timpano 2/2

  • 1. Liam Georgetown
  • 2. Kiwa Oakes
  • 3. Tyler Ierardi
  • 4. Lucas Baistrocci
  • 5. Ryan Forgione
  • 6. Dustin Cooper
  • 7. Lawrence Crilley
  • 8. Marcos Flegmann
  • 9. Kane Bentley
  • 10. Jonpaul Davis
  • 11. Greg Richer
  • 12. Mike Elias
  • 13. Craig McKenzie
  • 14. Patrick Canty
  • 15. Curtis Goddard
  • 16. Trevor McKenzie
  • 17. Derek Morin
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