Axemen host Aston Bulls in Semi Final Sat 4/21 @2:30

[danno]

From:  http://www.jaxaxe.com/Home/tabid/129/newsid540/417/Default.aspx

After quarter final action that saw the Aston Bulls defeat the Philadelphia Fight in a very exciting game that had to go into overtime to determine the outcome, the semi final match ups are set for August 21.

The Bulls and Fight were all tied up at the end of regulation and it needed the extra 20 minutes that swayed the Bulls way as fatigue set in and allowed a final 46 - 30 score.

The other close game saw the New York Knights score a game-winning try inside the final minute of play to beat the DC Slayers 28-22 to earn themselves a trip to New Haven CT to face the Warriors who handed the Fairfax Eagles an 80-26 scoreline to keep their unbeaten season alive.

The Axemen now prepare for their third match-up against the Bulls this season and although the Axemen got the better of them on both occasions the statistic of beating the same team three time in a year is an ominous one for coaching staff. The Axemen have also had three weekends without a game due to their bye falling in the last round of the regular season and the first round playoff bye, and this has also raised the concern of the team. Extra attention will be given to fitness and details this week during practice to counter the break from contact, however the Axemen do take solace that the Bulls also managed to beat the Philly Fight three times this season to prove the statistic wrong and squash any superstitious thoughts.

Season ticket holders receive FREE entry to the playoff game and walk-up price will remain at $5 with kids 12 and under FREE. $1 beers will of course be on hand.

[danno]

Just a quick bump.  Russell Crowe has gotten behind the Axemen.
This Saturday afternoon you will get more hard hitting action than you will at Everbank Field Saturday night!

From: http://jaxaxe.com/Home/tabid/129/newsid540/419/Default.aspx

Hollywood star Russell Crowe is keeping a close eye on the American National Rugby League playoffs and seems to have more than just a passing interest in them. In a recent Twitter exchange with AMNRL chief David Niu, when told that the Bulls would be traveling to Jacksonville to face the Axemen, Crowe tweeted; “Go the Axemen!!”

You can read the full story at www.americanrugbynews.com

Of course the feeling among the Axemen players after hearing about the well wishes was one of amazement and a little flattered but they also feel a little pressure now too.

"This was the guy who played James Braddock", said one of the players. "Not really the time to go an let someone down by not winning is it?"

"He is an academy award winner and he is putting his support behind us. Pretty sure this is the only time we will be on a team that gets a shout-out from anyone that famous", was the common responce from the playing core.

And for the record the South Sydney Rabbitohs who are co-owned by Russell Crowe and also on target to make the playoffs in the Australian National Rugby League - you can follow them at www.rabbitohs.com.au