From AmericanRugbyNews.com
Rugby League Semis
By Brian Lowe
Aug 20, 2010 - 6:20:00 AM
Both games hold the promise of typical in-your-face Rugby League action. No quarters will be asked and none will be given.
The Warriors and Axemen have home field because they were both undefeated and finished #1 and #2 respectively at the end of the regular season.
New Haven has a score to settle with the Knights, who knocked them out of the running last year. The Warriors had been aiming for a chance to repeat after claiming their first AMNRL title in 2008.
New York, on the other hand, found form at the right time in the playoffs and made every post a winner as they went on to win their second championship.
Earlier this season, however, New Haven exacted a little revenge by beating the Knights. The 34-25 scoreline reflected a tough contest, a result that wasn’t lost on either franchise.
“It’s a good rivalry,” New York CEO Rob Balachandran tells ARN. “It’s a long standing rivalry that kind of seesaws back and forth. We want to even the score.”
The early semi pits Jacksonville against Aston for the third time this season.
The Axemen had the wood on the Bulls in the two earlier encounters; winning 26-6 at home in June and then 42-26 on the road in July, but the postseason is a different kettle of fish.
Those were the only regular season losses for Aston and they’ve since righted the ship.
The other variable which may have some impact on the game is that their Australian import Daniel Wagon will be trying to set a new mark of playing in championship games on three continents.
He has previously played for titles in the NRL (Australia) and the French Elite 1 championship.
And don’t forget to make a point of checking back with us this weekend to get caught up on who qualifies for the 2010 AMNRL Grand Final.
AMNRL semifinals (home team listed first):
Jacksonville Axemen v Aston Bulls (2:30p EDT)
New Haven Warriors v New York Knights (3p EDT)
And as always, we recommend visiting
www.rleague.com to get caught up on everything from the world of Rugby League.
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