SLAYERS ROLL OVER SCRAPPY ONIEDA IN SEASON OPENER
At 9pm on a colder than normal, 52°F (11°C), Saturday evening the Slayers began their march for the 2011 USARL title taking the pitch as part of a double header against the reborn Oneida FC. Play began with both teams feeling out one another and looking for that breakout to occur. Within minutes, the first opportunity for the Slayers presented and Wing John Young tore down the side for the Slayers first try of the 2011 season after receiving a quick pass from Aussie import Five-Eighth Aaron Cook. Cook converted the try. Play resumed and it became evident that the Slayers were in control and would not be denied. Prop Jack Dunn, who had an outstanding match on both offense and defense, rolled in for the second try of the day; Cook took the conversion. Wing Anthony Elghossian showed his speed as he broke away for another try with Cook converting. Oneida settled in and through a nice offload pass finally broke the tryline and converted. Other Aussie import Fullback Troy Smith got into the mix and showed why he was signed with an explosive run up the middle for another try; Cook converted. As the first half drew to a close, John Young crossed the tryline for a second time; Cook converted.
Beginning the second half, the Slayers continued their domination as Aaron Cook went over the line and also converted the try. Play resumed and soon after, for the third time on the night, John Young put in the try with Cook converting. Oneida fought back with a few good defensive sets until Center Asa Jearld broke the middle and went over the line; Cook converted. Capitalizing on a Slayers mistake, Oneida crossed the line for the second time but missed the conversion. For the final try of the night, Aaron Cook went over the line and passed the conversion opportunity to Hooker and team captain Tim Douglas who split the uprights.
For his contributions on the night, Jack Dunn was selected as Man of the Match. Jack was a machine all night long playing the full 80 minutes. In offense, he had several massive runs and was always looking to offload to his teammates; on defense, he did not miss an opportunity to lay the big hits. He is definitely a force in the front row, said Coach Danny Hanson.
After the match, Douglas said, Oneida were a great team and never gave up. We had a few mental mistakes on the night, but overall an outstanding performance by the boys. When asked about the two imports, Douglas smiled and said, Cookie and Trojan settled into our game plan nicely and the boys responded well to them. Well celebrate the win tonight, but be back at it on Monday to prepare for the Titans.
Next up, the Slayers travel to take on the New Jersey Turnpike Titans on 11 June.
Slayers Tries
John Young 3
Aaron Cook 2
Jack Dunn 1
Anthony Elghossian 1
Asa Jearld 1
Troy Stone 1
Slayers Conversions
Aaron Cook 8 for 8
Tim Douglas 1 for 1
