2010 PBR Fight Season in Review-by Chairman Peter Illfield
Philadelphia Fight Rugby News and Press
The PBR Philadelphia Fight wrapped up their 2010 season on Sat August 14 when they bowed out of the AMNRL competition with a determined and hard fought quarter-final loss to the Aston Bulls. Both teams fought hard to gain the upper hand in the 80 minutes of regular time. By the end of the 4th 20minute quarter it was all tied up with the Fight 30, Bulls 30. The bruising and exciting contest required extra time.
After a quick break both teams opposed each other for another grueling 20mins to determine a winner and who would advance to the semi-finals. The more experienced Bulls came out on top 46-30. The Fight showed tremendous spirit in this game, building a stronger bond that should see the club rise further in 2011.
The success of the Fight in 2010 should not be solely judged on falling short of a better outcome in the competition. Success can be seen in the continued development of the club; from attracting new sponsors, to attracting the largest number of active players ever for a season (41). 24+ were regularly in attendance at practice which made us seriously think about a second team during the season. A desired goal for 2011.
Also, the club has secured the hosting of the August 28 AMNRL Grand Final, as the show piece of Rugby League in the USA, at their home ground in Conshohocken.
The Fight also continued to attract players from Australia for the second year. Second-Row Nathan Roach, prop Nick O'Connor and half-back Michael Princic journeyed from the Illawarra region of New South Wales, while lock James Perry, originally from Newcastle, left the northern beaches of Sydney to experience Rugby League in the USA.
Princic held the lead as the highest points scorer for the AMNRL for most of the season. Roach continually provided flare in the Fight's attack and O'Connor was bruising in both attack and defense. They also provided a wealth of knowledge to the more inexperienced players.
A new influx of local players also provided valuable experience to the Fight. Non more than previous Bucks County Sharks players Stephen Thompson, Sal Ranneillo, Zach Padgett & Phil Shipos. Phil accepted the on-field captain/coach role in the later half of the season. He's experience playing and coaching in the USA and playing in Australia stood well for him to take the reigns which united the team on the field for more solid performances. A big thank you is extended to Phil for his contribution and to Stephen Thompson for his role assisting Phil.
'Young Guns' Larry Madden (second-row) and Daniel Gabrielli (prop) played their first year of Rugby League and showed exceptional form throughout the season. Other newcomers, Alex Schmucker and Jim Kilminster also have a bright future.
Keep an eye out for Fight players invited to an AMNRL Red Vs Blue exhibition match on Grand Final day. Those likely to represent the Fight will be ever improving Matt Worthington, Patrick Quirk, Jared Frymoyer and Rich Henson.
The Fight also wish to extend a special thank you to the following people who love the game and we acknowledge them for their time, effort and service for their involvement with the club;
We can't thank Kate Dougherty enough for opening her home to our 3 Aussie guests, Nathan, Nick & Michael. 2010 is the second year that Kate has made her home available for the guys to bed down. And not just bed-down, Kate is like a second Mom preparing meals & providing transport for the most part. This has made the going easy when we look to recruit. Nothing like being at home away from home.
Dr Jack Kazanjian, orthopedic specialist, and our head medico, attended games providing expertise and immediate response to injured players. He also made himself available for consultations and performed surgery on some of club members;
Magan Aukett,, sports trainer, attended games and practice sessions to assist players with minor injuries, strapping and on-field care.
Donald Morrison, team manager, was always on-hand at games and practice sessions to provide much needed fluids during the hot summer conditions, assisted the coaches by ensuring practice equipment was available and was the club's liaison with the Conshohocken Borough;
Tim Lane, Villanova swim coach, conducted field fitness sessions at practice and was on-hand at games to run water and assist with players needs;
Bruce Pilarczyk, Marketing Director, O'Niell Properties, Londonbury@Millenium, our new sponsor and good friend provided funds and invaluable marketing and promotional advise, allowed us to make use of his facilities and introduced us to numerous contacts to assist our club;
Dane Gray, Kildare's Irish Pub, Manayunk, home-base sponsor for the second year, provide his venue, food and beverages after matches.
Dennis Harrison, PBC Brand Manager, Muller Inc, and Fred Crawford PBR Brand Manager two great sponsors. PBR provided much needed support for the Fight and plenty of PBR Pabst.
Matt DeFrancesco, Powerade/VitaminWater Zero, a new sponsor for the Fight providing thirst quenching Powerade for the players and VitaminWater Zero for the Vixens along with water barrels, towels, merchandise and product for our spectators.
Tony Rollz, Fight co-owner and Board Member, has contributed a lot to keep our heads above 'water', ironically enough, Rollz secured our sponsorship with Powerade/VitaminWater Zero.
Emily Czerniakowski and the Vixens Dance Team for giving the players maximum support and entertaining our friends, guests, families and sponsors.
Finally, Ryan McGough, Fight CEO, has worked tirelessly again this year, in the midst of his wife Tracy having their second child. The thankless work done behind the scenes to secure sponsors and supporters of the Fight should not go unrecognized nor acknowledged. The Fight would not be the success it is today with Ryan's never-ending contribution. Congratulations on a job well done and THANK YOU!!
Peter J Illfield-Chairman
Philadelphia Fight Rugby League Club
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