Just as last year's season started, the young Sharks are in a must win situation for the remainder of the season. Halfway through the season the Sharks are 1-3 and there are behind in the standings. This is not a strange place for the Sharks, but that does not mean that this is where they want to be. However, there is a silver lining around the cloud...the youthful Sharks are a resiliant bunch and will be relying heavily on the experience of the older players, and the athletisism of the younger players to come together and demonstrate that they will not go quietly into the night. Here are some 'fun facts' that may have been lost along the way as the season has progressed:
1. Ryan "Ry Ry" Sodano has quietly played above and beyond expectations and has managed to get a few 'man of the match' nods so far this season. He has emerged as a leader on and off the field and we are looking forward to his continued progress.
2. Pat "Mason" Mason also was awarded 'man of the match' for his efforts against the D.C. Slayers. Pat has really developed as a player, and has yet to embarrass himself at an after match party so the season is looking up.
3. Dan "Steady Eddy" McGovern has played his normal solid pace this season. Besides exaggerating a few injuries and being carried off the field a couple times, he continues to have a high work load and demonstrate why fitness is essential to the game. Keep up the good work.
4. Sharks Youth: Nick Conklin has demonstrated an overwhelming amount of athleticism and enthusiasm and will be a with a little more understanding of the game he will be a tremendous threat as the season moves forward. Tim "Mack" McCall has emerged as the powerful forward everyone knew he could be and the Sharks are really looking forward to his continued development. Chris "The Love Doctor/Dupree" Proctor has demonstrated leadership on the field and the Sharks management are calling on him to take his game to the next level.
5. Injuries: WOW! What a mess. This season there have been many players plagued with injuries. Starting with long time Shark Zach "All Natural" Padgett has been playing at 50% with a blown hamstring. Dave "Turkish" O'Neill has been out with a broken hand and barely had a chance to show the team what he is capable of. Thankfully he has emerged as an assistant coach and has demonstrated he can lead on and off the field. Some other injured Sharks include Fred Bachaus, Steve Thompson, Mike McKenzie, Matt Pullen, George Mette, Vaiaisa Koresetta, and Justin Zadnik.
So as the Sharks move on to the second half of the season, there is a lot of spirit and enthusiasm and they will be looking for captain Phil Shipos to lead the youthful team into the hunt for the playoffs.
Axemen draw first blood...
As one of the biggest rivalries in the AMNRL, there is no love lost between the Sharks and Axemen, and the traveling team has always fell short in recent matchups...until now. The Sharks struck first, but the Axemen answered right back and were able to put together an offensive attack that had the young Sharks puzzled. Again, there were moments of greatness by the Sharks, but mentally they were just not prepared to handle the stress of the disciplined Axemen attack. Hopefully the Sharks will be able to return the favor when they travel to Jacksonville later this month.
Sharks lose away game to the D.C. Slayers...
The Sharks have always struggled while traveling to our nation's capital to face the D.C. Slayers, and this year was no different. The game started off even and was deadlocked at the half. The Slayers were able to wear down the wounded Sharks that were playing without Steve Thompson, Justin Zadnik, Derek Tulley and Vaiaisa Koresetta.
However, the division rivalry was capped off eloquently with the very tasty Surreal Vodka. The after party saw many drinks, as well as a lot of fried chicken. We thank D.C. for their hospitality and look forward to our upcoming match at the "War at the Shore" venue.
Sharks rebound after week one loss...
The Sharks were able to bounce back after the crushing loss to the Bulls by defeating the Philadelphia Fight on their home turf. The fixture was at the West Chester University football field under an extremely hot sun. The Sharks relied heavily on their young squad, with many older members injured and/or unable to attend the game.
However, the excitement of the game was almost overshadowed by the first head to head matchup between the two members of the biggest trade to hit the AMNRL in 10 years:
"Butthead" for "Red Fred"
That's right, long time Philadelphia Fight prop "Butthead" became a Shark this season in a trade whose terms can not be disclosed for long time loyal Shark "Red Fred." The news shook the AMNRL, but in the end, both players played well and each team welcomed them with open arms.
Sharks drop home opener to the Bulls...
The Sharks lost in convincing fashion to their arch rival Aston Bulls. The game started off relatively even, but halfway through the first half the Bulls were able to open up the game and charge right through the young Sharks defense. Halftime was the only thing that could stop the Bulls, and thankfully it ended up slowing down the onslaught. The Sharks were able to put some offense together during the second half, while slowing down the Bulls attack. Once again, the Sharks start the season in the hole.
Sharks debut new jersey's at local fundraiser
The Sharks were able to show off the 2008 jerseys at a local fundraiser to support the Yardley 'Flood Relief Mitigation Fund' beer festival. We would like to thank the Millcreek Inn for their generous donation to help get the new kits sorted out.
"Charity starts at home, and it is really nice to be a part of this event that will help support the relief effort" said Sharks President Dan McGovern.
Sharks fundraiser a huge success
The Sharks managed to put together a 'Bourbon and Steak' benefit packed full of booze, food, music and prizes on Friday, May 9th. The event was an overwhelming success, with the following key sponsors were integral players in that success:
Bucks County Bicycle Company - Best bike shop in Bucks County
Newtown Health & Fitness - Voted Best Chiropractor 2008!
Salon Metro - Keeping all of our hair looking good
Pictures and such to follow, so check back on the 'Media' page for some photos of the event.
War At The Shore 10 - Sharks Win!!!
With the season on the line the young Sharks come up big against division rivals, The Philadelphia Fight. The team knew going into the game that it was a 'must win' if there is any chance of the for the playoffs. The Sharks have been very successful on this field in Sea Isle City, and have had some of the greatest victories in their franchise history. (i.e. 3 huge 'come from behind' wins against the Bulls, Wildcats, and most recently the Axemen...see Axemen write up below) That being said, lets dive into the game summary:
The Sharks normally are the last game of the day, but as luck would have it they drew the first game. The Sharks came out strong and put a few quick tries up on the Fight, including a sensational 'jump ball' in the try zone by Captain Phil Shipos on the 6th tackle. Player/Coach Adam Dunn placed the kick in the corner of the try zone perfectly, and Phil was able to strip it from the opposing team's hands for a classic try. (Phil would later score 2 more tries on the same blade of grass he placed the first one) Some more shining moments came from young winger Mark Vella, who's tenacious defense stopped any wide ball the Fight were able to produce. Solid running up front from Jim "Meat" Mininger, Timmy "Mack" McCall, and Zach "God Givin" Padgett got the ball moving forward when the Sharks needed some hard yards. The 'ageless' Fred Bachaus proved once again that he is clearly the fastest man in the AMNRL with the ball in his hand as he scooted for a 60 meter try in the second half. And in a recent development, keeping with the strong history of Levittown rugby talent, Randy Helsman played his first game as a Shark and added some strong runs as well as great hits in defense. Solid defense came from Matt Pullen, John Vella, and as always Dan McGovern.
Player/Coach Adam Dunn said, "Overall it was a solid win by the Sharks. There are still many areas of our game that we need to work on but I am pleased with the progress of this young side." Dunn added, "with so many of our starting players injured it shows that these young fellas have tons of heart."
Honorable Mention - Phil Shipos received the Preston Award for 'Player of the Day' as voted by fans and players...Congratulations Phil!!!
We are looking forward to the next couple weeks of rugby league action...
**Notes - Missing Players (injured)
Sal Raniello
Mike McKenzie
Derek Tulley
Ryan Sodano
Steve Tormey
Vaiaisa Koroseta
George Mette
Mark Booker
Try Scorers:
Shipos - 3 (3 for 3 conversions)
Tomo - 1 (2 for 6 conversions)
Dan - 1
Zach - 1
Fred - 1
Randy - 1
Justin - 1
42 Below Vodka - Official Sponsor - AMNRL
The American National Rugby League is excited to present 42 Below Vodka as a primary sponsor of Rugby League in America.
42 Below is a premium vodka company produced right in Auckland, New Zealand. With its arrival to the United States, what better way is there to introduce the brand than through the sponsoring of New Zealand’s famed sport of rugby. Distilled 4 times and filtered 35 times, 42 Below is a smooth tasting vodka made from some of the cleanest water and purest ingredients.
In partnership with the AMNRL, 42 Below Vodka plan to develop a number of exciting promotional events that will continue to build the profile of Rugby League in the established rugby locations in America, and introduce this great brand of Vodka along with the sport of Rugby League to new fans nationwide.
With the support of 42 Below Vodka, Rugby League in the USA will continue to grow and develop nationally.
Visit our website at http://www.42below.com for more information.
American Rugby League and 42 Below Vodka….GET SOME!
Sharks come up big against the Axemen!!!
In what has shaped up to be one of the greatest rivalries in the AMNRL, the Sharks vs. Axemen once again proved to be another battle. Lets first take a step back and review the previous encounters from the past two years...
Game 1: Sharks vs. Axemen @ Jacksonville (June 2006)
The Sharks traveled lite and picked up some players in Jacksonville. The game was relatively close in the first half, but the Axemen were able to turn up the heat in the second half to pull way ahead of the Sharks. (However, the after match festivities were dominated by the enthusiastic Sharks :)
Game 2: Sharks vs. Axemen @ Sea Isle City (War At The Shore 9)
The Axemen picked up right where they left off in Jacksonville and started to put some points up against the Sharks. In a late game surge the Sharks were able to pull close a 20 point deficit in the final minutes of the match to beat the Axemen and force a home playoff game.
Game 3: Sharks vs. Axemen @ Shark Park
This was the first game on the Sharks home soil. There was a lot of forum 'discussion' leading up to the match which fired the Sharks up. From the opening kickoff the Sharks came out swinging and pulled away from the Axemen. The Sharks were victorious and proceeded on to the next round of the playoffs.
Game 4: Sharks vs. Axemen @ Jacksonville (June 16th, 2007)
Sharks traveled with a strong side and began the game with a solid plan. At the close of the half the Sharks were ahead by a couple tries. After a lengthy half time, the Axemen came out strong. Player/Coach Spinner Howland must have delivered a great half time speech, and made some key adjustments that the young Sharks could not handle. Some key substitutions by the Axemen placed some fresh legs on the field and at the end of the game it was all tied up. After a mutual decision to play a ten minute overtime the Axemen emerged victorious much to the delight of the home town crowd. (However, we would have to say that the Sharks once again dominated the after match festivities)
Game 5: Sharks vs. Axemen @ Shark Park (June 30th, 2007)
The previous 4 matches have the series tied at 2 a piece which really set the stage for this showdown. The home soil helped the Sharks emerge victorious in what had all the hard hits and break aways of the previous encounters. Playing each other so close together creates a lot of tension between the clubs which explains a lot of the penalties throughout the match. The Sharks had strong and weak points on both sides of the ball, but the most improved aspect of the Sharks attack was simply holding onto the ball and completing their sets. In defense they scrambled around and were not organized, but were able to force errors and make some crucial one on one tackles. (which has been an issue all season) Overall, it was a solid performance and the Sharks have two weeks to recover and build on the successful aspects of their game. (Once again, the Sharks completely dominated the after match festivities, mostly in part to the Axemen not coming back to the Millcreek Inn for food or drinks) One things for certain, the Sharks anxiously await the next encounter...
Sharks drop 3 in a row for first time in 5 years
A three game skid has not happened to the Sharks in years, but the young side is determined to turn it around. Coming off an emotional win in the season opener the Sharks battled the Aston Panthers, Jacksonville Axemen, and the Philadelphia Fight but came up short. At times, the issues during the games appeared impossible to fix. The young side, plagued with injuries, continuously dropped balls, missed tackles and were overall unorganized. Training sessions are pitiful and there seems to be a general laziness regarding all aspects of the game. A big night out has been long overdue, so hopefully after a solid night on the booze the Sharks will find their way back to their winning ways.
Sharks Win Home Opener!!!
After a long off season, the Sharks have managed to recruit some young talent as well as continue to develop the youngest and smallest side in the competition. The New Haven squad traveled to Shark Park with a solid side on what seemed to be the hottest day of the year. The game progressed in a sea-saw fashion with both sides brushing off the dust of the off season. There was some great ball movement on both sides of the pitch, as well as hard hits and strategic kicks. The Sharks proved to be more rusty than the more developed Warriors as they continuously dropped balls and forced passes. In the end, the Sharks were able to hold off the charging Warriors and escape with a well earned home opening win.
Crown Trophy Sponsorship Announced
The Sharks are honored to announce "Crown Trophy of Mercerville" as an official sponsor for the upcoming season. Click here to view the Crown Trophy web site.
Below is a biography of the store...
Bruce and I have been living in Robbinsville for 8 years with our 3 children; Nicole, Matt and Megan. We have been involved with many sports and school activities in the area. Bruce has coached for Little League and Pop Warner, along with helping to start-up organizations like Hightstown Pop Warner Football and Robbinsville High School Booster club. I’ve been a CCD teacher, Girl Scout Leader, and chairperson for PTA, Pop Warner & Booster club. "We are excited about this upcoming Sharks season," said Bruce. "There is a lot we have to learn about the sport, but it shows we have the resources to adapt to nearly any sport's team's needs," said Susie.
Crown Trophy is our family business, backed by America’s largest award company, where customer service is the number one priority. We offer the finest quality awards and recognition items at the guaranteed lowest prices. Our customers like the neighborly service, attention to detail, along with anything necessary to meet your deadlines, such as door to door service.
Please check out our website http://www.crowntrophy.com for a sampling of our product selection. We welcome your visit to come our showroom located at:
Mercerville, NJ 08619
Telephone - 609.838.1296
Fax - 609.838.1364
(You’ll find us in University Plaza next to Subway, Oreck Vacuum, and near Rita’s Ice)
2007 “The year of the Shark”
With the 2007 AMNRL season rapidly approaching could this truly be “the year of the shark”. My personal belief is yes. I also believe this can be the year that the Sharks, the only remaining original AMNRL team, the proverbial sleeping giants, the always bridesmaids never brides Sharks of old can wipe the slate clean and become the force that they always should have been.
Lets begin with the organization on a whole. This year the Sharks have paid more attention than normal to club structure. With the Sharks annual general meeting just two weeks ago they now sit on a sound structure to build a steady platform and go onward and upward.
The Sharks financial state: With the financial plans and fundraising that the Sharks have put in place we as a team stand to be financially stable for years to come. With a “beef and beer” set for Friday May 11th and in advanced stages of organization, should be one hell of a season kick off party and will hopefully be an annual event. The Sharks also have a sound personal sponsorship plan in place that should be beneficial to both team and sponsors together.
So we come to the team for 2007 and what a team this promises to be. Lets start with the regulars or should we call them the irregulars for reasons best un said. The seasoned vets, as they are affectionately known, look to have a major season. With Fred “The Ageless” Backhaus taking a player/coach role this year the boys have the most experienced USA International this country has produced. The likes of Justin Zadnik, Phil “Rogaine” Shipos, Sal “The Angriest Man in the AMNRL” Raniello, Jeff “The Human Sweater” Koch, Anthony “Which way to the bar” Fiorelli, Zach “All Natural” Padgett and Mike “Bad Load” Mckenzie all reaching there prime at the tender age of 28/29/ish are set to have there best years of rugby league there lives have produced and are all as hungry as ever. Backing these guys up are the bridge, the link between experience and raw youthful talent. In this group you find the guys 25/26/ish whom while every day learning they have the ability to dig deep for that tough win or turn the game on its head. Greg Mininger who returning from injury is raring to go backed up by brother Jim who says he could be in the best shape of his life come kick off. Then you have George Mette, Stephen Thompson, Red Fred and the unpredictable Chaos, all raring to go and brimming with talent. With a great group of young talent set to return to the team this year the Sharks feel safe for the future. Our youngsters were out standing last year especially when you consider that for most it was there first year playing rugby league. Ryan Sodano was solid at the back with pace to burn. Steve “Sideline” Tormey, who 12 months ago couldn’t spell rugby never mind play the game, looked well at home on the wing. Tim “my body is a temple” McCall, who had an unfortunate set back with injury, showed glimpses of the devastating runs that made him feared through u18s rugby. A defensive line never looked so solid at times with Dan McGovern, Mark Vella and Mike Boucher looking like they were born to tackle anything that moved. Finally John “Dump Truck Ass” Vella, with a side step that could send his own eyes crossed, was a real match winner at times in 06.
So what could the Sharks do to possibly improve on this I hear you ask. Well the answer is lots. With the return of Fred “Levittown (but not really)” Keonicki to bolster the forward pack and the acquisition of Brian “butthead” Boyle and Mike “beaver” Birch from the Philly fight the Sharks finally have the sizable pack that they have always been so close to producing. The fun doesn’t stop there though. With the news that Avea Suffia, ex Samoan rugby union international prop will be donning the shark in 07 and Mani Siosa returning after a year away, we could possibly have the most devastating pack in the comp. Then there’s Viasa Koroseta, arguably the fastest player in the comp, who has decided to return to give the backs a devastating burst of pace. In my opinion he makes sea biscuit look like a sea horse with no swim bladder. Then last but not least we have Chris James who has a long career as an amateur rugby union scrum half back home in Wales and is relishing the chance to show rugby league what the valleys are missing.
The Sharks are currently in talks with three quality imports to give us that touch with that international flair and probably a bad Aussie hair style to go with it.
So there you have it “the year of the shark”. If I were a betting man I would have a few bucks on this bunch in 07.
Rugby For Recovery
When: April 21st @ 12:30PM
Where: Pennsbury High School
(608 S. Olds Blvd. Fairless Hills, PA 19030 215.949.6780)
Who: 12:30 - Hibernian Bulls (High School Boys Side)
2:00 - AMNRL: Bucks County Sharks vs. Aston Panthers
3:30 - Hibernian Banshees (High School Girls Side)
What: All proceeds to Ashley Zauflik
More details as they develop...it will be a great day of rugby for a great cause...