Leeds Rhinos vs. Salford City Reds
Philadelphia Fight Rugby News and Press
January 17, 2009
Just under 6000 fans enjoyed temps in the mid to upper 50 and clear sunny skies. The Gates open right on time and fans flooded into Hodges Stadium and the University of North Florida to the sounds of live local band Dan Reading and No Relation along with Erin Brookes and Option P. They where also greeted by the Jacksonville Axe Maiden Cheerleaders along with the smell of good food and hot coffee from Bad Ass Coffee.
During the lead up to the pregame there was plenty to keep them entertained along with a number of local vendors ranging from First Coast Honda to the USO. Merchandise was available via local outlet, Sports Mania and Tom McManus was on hand to take photos and autograph is new book, We will Always be Pals. Sam Kouvaris from Chanel 4 was also on hand to help welcome the fans to the game. Two of the fan favorites where the 9 Foot tall Highlander mascot from the Scottish Highland games that had a promo booth on site and Jaz-zoo from the Jacksonville Zoo who was also in attendance. Although both Tony Pashos (Offensive Tackle) and Adam Podlesh (Punt Kicker) for the Jaguars had injuries that kept them from competing in the pre game challenge, both were on site to lend a hand to the Leeds and Salford players as they run through a couple of drills that helped raise $2000 for local charities. The game got underway at via the whistle of Ben Thayler from the RFL and it was evident from the first tackle that both teams had come to win. Salford opened their account with a try early and then crossed the line shortly afterwards to got out to a 10-nil lead. Leeds clawed back to make it 10 to 8 during the second half and then with only 5 minutes to go had a great play work to perfection that put them up 12 -10 to take the lead for the first time in the game. The final 5 minutes then seen some of the best play of the day with Salford throwing everything they could a the Leeds defense and Leeds doing all they could to weather the storm. The final play of the game was nothing short of pure determination with the the Salford player getting a great ball and driving to the line only to be bought down less than 3 meters from stealing the victory.
Contact: Spinner Howland, Philadelphia Fight Rugby
Email: spinnerhowland@comcast.net
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