A dramatic end to the game between USA and Canada men saw the sides end the contest 16-all at Valley High School in Las Vegas. The Wolverines had hit back from a 10-0 half time deficit despite suffering two serious injuries to lead 16-14, and looked set to triumph.
But they were brought back for a knock on as it looked like they would seal victory and a last gasp penalty converted by Kyle Granby saw the Hawks gain a reprieve.
“It was a great game and we had fans from all over the world present,” said USARL director, Drew Slover. “Obviously we would have liked to have walked away with a win, but it was an exciting game nonetheless. We hope to make this a Vegas tradition each year.”
Hawks’ head coach, Sean Rutgerson, added: “I’m really happy with the effort from our guys. We defended really well for back to back sets multiple times. I can’t complain too much about coming away with a tie, I just hope the two Canada players who had serious injuries are ok.”
South Sydney head coach Jason Demetriou presented the jerseys to the Canada players having played in the 2000 Emerging Nations World Cup for the nation.
Wolverines assistant coach Matt Wyles noted: “The boys sacrificed and are dealing with the tie well. It was a hard fought effort and they dug deep in the second half. We look forward to our next match against the Hawks, we need to settle who are the top dogs!.”
A number of rugby league luminaries were in attendance including ERL chair Dean Andrew who stated that the event was “a resounding success.”
USA 16
David Washington, James Williams, Ryan Burroughs, Jason Martin, Kyle Granby, Ryan Bannerot, Peter Lupton, Malcom Webb, Mason McCrory, Tevita Bryce, Gunnar Johnson, Wes Piggins, Joe Eichner.
Interchanges: Matt Finnesy, Ethan Ferrick, Fatai Makavaha, Andre Whaley.
Tries: Burroughs (6), Martin (27), Granby (56)
Goals: McCrory 1/3, Granby 1/1
CANADA 16
Dillon Hamilton, Josh Michalik, Luke Toroca, Lee Keegel, Colton Carpenter, Blake Mahovic, Jacob Bourne, Dave Astley, Ben Stothers, Charles Curran, Jason Chuck, Jason Park, Scyler Dumas.
Interchanges: Kyle Yurkiw, Dan Martyn, Niko Andrianos, Danny TupouTries: Carpenter (42), Dumas (47), Mahovic (64)
Goals: Bourne 2/3
Referee: Cody Kuxman (USA)
Half Time: 10-0
Photos courtesy of @northernpolo
