USARL Finals fever is among us!

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By Julian Clarkstone

Whilst most teams are wrapping up their regular season round 8 games this week, the finals are beginning for these two teams.

Whilst The Rhinos sit atop their division after the regular season and The Mayhem are fourth, there is very little separating the two. 24 points is the difference between what both teams have scored all season. This encounter is the third time the teams will meet this year. Both games were won by the Rhinos, by 4 points in round 2 and 10 points in their very last round of competition.

Seeing as their previous two clashes were so close and they now know each other's styles, it makes for a very entertaining first round of the playoffs. Chris Dickenson is the Marketing Manager of the Mayhem and he says the team is very confident as they know what they can improve on from last week's 10 point loss. Dickenson said "we went to the edges too quickly, this week we need to keep the ball in play and roll up the middle to take the sting out of their middle unit."

The game is expected to be a much faster game than last week's clash, and the Mayhem are prepared for this. Dickenson stated "We believe we are the fittest side one conference and hopefully this plays into our hands."

Whilst the Rhinos have won both the clashes, they are aware of the threat that is posed by the Mayhem and expect both teams will improve from last week. Captain Nick Newlan is quietly confident ahead of the clash, saying "beating them twice definitely gives us a boost going into this game, but we know Tampa is going to travel here being hungrier than ever for a win."

If there isn't already enough motivation for both teams, this match will give them both the opportunity for their first chance at making the Southern Conference Championship. CEO of the Rhinos, Bob Taylor, recognises this and also highlighted the increased importance of the clash for his team, saying "It is our first home playoff game so the team will be pumped and it will be great for the fans."

This match will set the tone for the South Division Playoffs, which is to be followed by the other semi-final between the Central Florida Warriors and the Jacksonville Axemen next weekend. Chris Dickenson of the Mayhem praised the entire division, stating, "The Southern Conference has been a breath of fresh air this year as almost every game has gone down to the wire. The fans have loved it and I'm sure it has increased attendance." The fans will be hoping for much of the same this week with another match that may well be decided by just a few points.

View last weeks game between the Atlanta Rhinos and Tampa Mayhem