TAMPA, FL – On Saturday, 10 August, the Jacksonville Axemen took the USA Rugby League’s (USARL) South Conference (SC) title with their 28 to 6 win over the Tampa Mayhem. As the top seed, Jacksonville hosted the game on the University of North Florida’s Rugby Fields. For the start, game phrase: Jacksonville Takes USARL SC Title.
First Half Recap
Following an early penalty from the Jacksonville Axemen, the Tampa Mayhem‘s Jay Kissick put Tampa up 2 to 0, a lead they held until very late in the first half. Just before halftime, Axeman Khalial Harris scored Jacksonville‘s with its first try. After Nathan Richter’s conversion, the Axemen took the 6 to 2 lead to the locker rooms.
Second Half Review
After halftime, Jye Montgomery scored a try, with another Richter conversion, to give Jacksonville a 12 to 2 lead. Soon, Charlie Jones scored another try, albeit unconverted to push Jacksonville’s lead to 16 to 2. Jacksonville’s Josh Jackson also tacked on a try (uncovered), followed by a 2-point penalty kick, enlarging the Axemen’s advantage to 22 to 2.
Later in the second half, the Tampa Mayhem’s Ben Payne scored a try for his team. However, the Mayhem missed the conversion, bringing the score 22 to 6. As the game ended, Jacob Hawkins scored Jacksonville’s final try, giving the Axemen a 28 to 6 win over Tampa. Wrapping things up, with the game phrase: Jacksonville Takes USARL SC Title.
Post-Game Commentary
After the game, Jacksonville Coach Sean Rutgerson said:“It was a good game; it was great for the crowd to watch. It was tight, neither side was giving in, it was good contact, and it was really even.”
Also for his club, Tampa Mayhem Captain Justin Branca: “A tough game. Really, really close first half and a tough loss. The outcome came down to who wanted it more and fitness. So, hats off to Jacksonville. The better team on the field won.”
USARL 2019 Championship
Following the Jacksonville Axemen USARL South Conference Championship, the club will have two weeks to prepare for the 2019 USA Rugby League (USARL) National Championship, scheduled for 24 August 2019. The USARL’s Northern Conference Champions, the Brooklyn Kings, will host the title match on their home field at Bushwick Inlet Park, in Brooklyn, New York.
Links to more information about the clubs, the USA Rugby League South Conference (USARL SC), and RWU
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P.S… In order to best keep up with the Jacksonville Axemen, Atlanta Rhinos, Tampa Mayhem, SWFL Copperheads, the the Lakeland Renegades, and the Southern Division (SD) of the USA Rugby League (USARL) this season, enlist the help of Rugby Wrap Up (RWU).
To learn more about the Jacksonville Axemen, please visit the team’s website.
For more information about the Atlanta Rhinos, please visit the club’s website.
To learn more about the SWFL Copperheads, please visit the team’s website.
For more information about the Tampa Mayhem, please visit the club’s website.
To learn more about the Lakeland Renegades, the USARL SC’s newest club, please visit the team’s Facebook page.
Finally, for additional details relating to the USA Rugby League (USARL) and the league’s South Conference please visit the website.
