Axemen go one-up against Oneida

A ferocious first quarter saw Jacksonville move into the lead with their classical brand of rugby league, strong forwards combined with a highly organized flying back line. Jacksonville deserved their 18-0 advantage after the first twenty-minute quarter. The tough tackling of David Murray and Austin Chappell was typical of the Boston early defiance as the Axemen looked to stop a contest developing.

A third quarter come-back was inspired by the power of Mik Shammas and new English import Aiden Oakley which saw Oneida in for their first try of the game. Alas, their comeback was short lived as the Axemen changed gears and began running up a quick succession of points.

Down 44-6, Oneida played resiliently in the face of the Jacksonville scoring machine with Matt T.K. and Tyler Scullen bringing the ball deep into the Axemen half. On the final down, young hooker Kyle Harris in his first match for Oneida, slipped into the opposition try-line and brought Oneida into double figures.

Jacksonville wasn’t quite finished either. They fought hard to the final minute, scoring 2 tries, landing 1 conversion, and brought the final score to 54-12. The game was greeted with great appreciation from the crowd, a mark of the quality of the Axemen and the moxie of the young Oneida outfit.

Oneida FC player Tyler Scullen was sanguine about the result saying, “It was a tough loss, however we're a young team on new feet going against an experienced and hardened side. It is obvious that the talent and motivation is there and I have no doubt that in due time we will piece together a stretch of wins.”

Next up, Oneida takes on local rivals Boston 13s at M.I.T. Steinbrenner Stadium at 1pm while the Jacksonville Axemen are guests to a red hot Philadelphia Fight at A. A. Garthwaite Stadium on Saturday June 25th at 5pm.