USA defeats Jamacia in First Round of the Atlantic Cup

[danno]

Great game last night.  Some really hard hits from both sides.  There are some defensive players in the NFL that could learn a thing or two about how to effectively tackle from the rugby leauge!

From:  http://www.wearerugby.com/news/articles/usa-beats-jamaica

The USA and Jamaica turned on an enthralling contest to open the 2010 HotelsofJacksonville.com Atlantic Cup that ended in a 36-26 American victory Tuesday night at Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville.

The game had everything from big hits, exciting tries, solid defense and even some controversy.

The Tomahawks opened the scoring in just the second minute when fullback Kenny Britt was put into a gap with a nicely timed pass by five-eighth Brent Shorten and Britt did the rest by running in under the posts untouched. A Nate Smith conversion gave the home team an early 6-0 lead.

Jamaica struck back within 10 minutes when center Greg Johnson got the first of two scores on the night to level things up.

In all, there were four lead changes before the Tomahawks finished over the top of their opposition.

“It was a hell of a game man, both sides put everything out there,” USA captain Apple Pope told WeAreRugby.

“If you looked on the sidelines there were guys split open left and right, guys leaving the field left and right, and knockout hits. You know, it was just a hard fought battle from the beginning.”

The Americans led 16-12 at halftime after tries by Conway Maraki, who had a huge impact on the final result, and Britt with his second. Jamaica pegged one back through their hooker Jamain Wray, who was their best player and who also was at the center of a bizarre set of circumstances in the second half.

The scores were locked at 26-26 with Jamaica mounting an attack when the Atlantic Cup’s official medico and US team doctor Jack Kazanjian went on to the field during a stoppage and suggested that Wray should be examined for a concussion.

There was a lengthy confab, the Jamaican team objected and referee Phil Bentham, who admitted later that he was surprised by the incident, ushered the doctor from the field and play resumed.

From his perspective, Dr Kazanjian said that as the tournament’s medical officer, he was concerned about the player’s well being.

After that, the US took control and posted two more tries by Maraki and Sean Taylor to ice the game.

Two other Tomahawk tries were scored by center Matt Thornton and winger Nate Smith, who finished the match going 4-from-7 on conversions.

“It was a game that you would expect between the USA and Jamaica,” added Tomahawks head coach David Niu.

“We found a way and that’s the valuable lesson I think. If you keep trying the result on the field was good and was sort of indicative of what we do off the field as well.”

Jamaica’s other try-scorers included Alex Brown and Paul White, Junior Brandford added the conversions.

The win was the third straight for the Tomahawks and improved their all-time win-loss record to 12-2.

Jamaica will play Canada on Thursday night in the second game of the series.

[Jason]

I have got to get to one of these matches.

[danno]

Saturday will be the big match against Canada.  I am telling you that you won't be disapointed!

[danno]

Here is a bt from a blog on Jacksonville.com


http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400924/funnyfixxcom/2010-11-17/usa-beats-jamaica-its-rugby-league-baby

If you didn’t see the Jacksonville Axemen’s rugby league games this summer at UNF’s Hodges Stadium, you have two more chances to see rugby in Jacksonville before the end of the year:

Thursday, Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m. Canada vs. Jamaica
Saturday, Nov. 20, 3:00 p.m. U.S.A. vs. Canada

(OH YEAH, OUR JACKSONVILLE AXEMEN WON THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN 2010!!)

www.jaxaxe.com

Both games this week are at UNF’s Hodges Stadium off Beach Boulevard. General admission at the gate on game day is $10. Student and military admission at the gate is $8. Also, there’s a Member Area (50 yard line with In-Seat Service) for $15. ($3 campus parking fee.)

Last night’s game was a nail-biter, with the score tied much of the night. But the U.S.A. claimed victory over Jamaica 36 to 26.

Here’s a report from Spinner Howland, Godfather of Rugby League in Jacksonville:

The game was filled with everything Rugby League has to offer. Massive hits, some very skilled and tactical offence and some blood flowing from wounds sustained during the battle.

Both the USA and Jamaican teams will be forced to make some changes for their remaining games due to an range of injuries. Jacksonville Axemen Matt Thornton and Taco Pope both have at least a dozen stitches in their heads. Thornton also sustained a detached bicep.

The Jamaicans also have their issues with Jermain Wrey having a concussion, and another two players who will be needing scans on suspected shoulder separations and ankle injuries.

The next game of the HotelsofJacksonville.com Rugby League Atlantic Cup will take place Thursday night when Canada get their first game in against the Jamaican team.