It's a Three-peat for the NZ Fencibles
For the 3rd consecutive year of the USARL International 9′s Tournament, the Auckland Metropolitan Police Rugby League, FENCIBLES have returned to New Zealand with the trophy.
After a brilliant day of competition and weather, the Final of the tournament was played under a cloud of rain and chilly weather. The experienced Fencibles defeated a gallant Philadelphia Fight 26-0.
The Fight made their way to the final in extra-time, with a surprising and exciting win over the visiting Australian team, New England Echidnas, 16-12. The unfortunate Echidnas suffered in the closing matches due to a depleted squad through injury. The tournament took its toll on many, including ex-NRL & St George star Nathan Blacklock, who hobbled courageously in the semi-final to keep the hopes alive for the Echidnas. The Fight also lost 3 key players from injury going into the final.
The Fencibles defeated Rhode Island Rebellion 30-0 to make there 3rd consecutive final. Also from Rhode Island came the introduction to the tournament of the American Youth Rugby League Association (AYRLA) Under-23's squad. Young and enthusiastic, these players are the next generation of players to exhibit Rugby League in the north eastern states.
Two of their players, Noell Bulson and Ryan Iovino, were awarded with access to online programs to help develop youth Rugby League talent in the USA. Bruce Wedderburn, a USARL Referee from Washington DC, co-ordinated a donation from Australian, Paul Williams of www.completeleagueplayer.com as reward for performance and dedication.
Qualifying Rounds:
- Australia Echidnas 26 | Dc Slayers -8
- Duhaney Park Red Sharks 14 | Bucks County Sharks 6
- NZ Police Fencibles 22 | VFC Philadelphia Fight 8
- Rhode Island Rebellion 18 | DC Slayers 12
- Duhaney Park Red Sharks 18 | Northern Barbarians 4
- NZ Police Fencibles 26 | AYRLA Under 23 Americans 0
- New England Australia Echidnas 20 | Rhode Island Rebellion 4
- Bucks County Sharks 26 | Northern Barbarians 4
- VFC Philadelphia Fight 26 | AYRLA Under 23 Americans 4
USARL 9s Finals:
- QF1: NZ Police Fencibles 28 | Northern Barbarians 0
- QF2: New England Australia Echidnas 32 | DC Slayers 8
- QF3: Rhode Island Rebellion 16 | Duhaney Park Red Sharks 14
- QF4: VFC Philadelphia Fight 20 | the Bucks County Sharks 0
- SF1: NZ Police Fencibles 30 | Rhode Island Rebellion 0
- SF2: New England Australia Echidnas 12 | VFC Philadelphia Fight 16
- Championship: NZ Police Fencibles 26 | VFC Philadelphia Fight - 0