The Unites States Tomahawks leveled the Colonial Cup Series 1-1 with an emphatic win over the Canada Wolverines in Conshohocken. Both teams had fairly strong squads and the Tomahawks are starting to build for their world cup campaign in October and November. The match was played after the USARL Grand Final.

It took only two minutes for the Americans to get over the line with Vai Notoa and the conversion by Craig Priestly. However, the Canadians were not to be outdone and in the 10th minute they were over themselves to bring it back to 6-6 through Don MacKinlay’s try.

The Tomahawks then really asserted their dominance on the match through powerful running and gritty defence. The Tomahawks managed another three tries in the first half through Mike Schachter, then a darting run from Kristian Freed in the 26th minute. Only 5 minutes from half time Mark Offerdahl crossed over. The Tomahawks went into the break up 22-6.

Canada needed to score first after the break and they did after 4 minutes through Graham Dobbs. At 22-10 it looked like maybe there would be a resurgence but the Tomahawks were quick to shut down any thought of a comeback. The US scored another two tries to put the game on ice through Luke Collins and Craig Priestly. A third try for Chris Diamond for the Canadians was too little too late and Matt Walsh and Gareth Gibbs then made sure the match was out of any Wolverine reach.

After the match USA coach Ben Kelly talked about the world cup preparations in the context of this match. “It’s looking good. I feel it’s a step in the right direction. We needed to make changes from the first game and the boys definitely stepped up to the mark.”

Eric Perez from Canada Rugby League also commented on the game. “Yeah a tough game, it’s always tough to travel in the US. Our guys didn’t show up today the way we know they can and they are going to have to put it together to take the last two games in Toronto.”

USA
Kristian Freed, Louis Tulio, Vai Notoa, Loto Tagaloa, Gareth Gibbs, Luke Collins, Damien O’Malveney, Mike Schachter, Craig Priestly, Salesi Tongamoa, Siose Mullima, Mark Offerdahl, Matt Walsh. Subs: Les Soloai, Shane Begin, Curtis Cunz, Wes Haughton

CANADA
Jose Perez Bangay, Geoff Bylund, Chris Diamond, Graham Dobbs, Cory Huybregts, Brett King, Robin Legaut, Don MacKinlay, Ruairi McGoff, Henry Miers, Christian Miller, Eric Moyer, Steve Platek. Subs: Matt Rafaelic, Louis Robinson, Enoch Wamalwa, Kenn Waring, Matt Wyles