EASTERN CONFERENCE TAKES THREE TO THE SEMI-FINALS;
Old Blue, Belmont, Chicago win at home, NYAC wins late in Denver.

DALLAS (May 14, 2005) � Today, the RSL 2005 playoffs opened with dominating performances from top seeds Old Blue and Belmont, and close wins for the East�s number two and three seeds - Chicago and NYAC.  The Eastern Conference�s three, Quarterfinal wins should dispel claims of Western Conference dominance and mark the parity between both conferences.

The winds and the home crowd were howling in Chicago as the Lions defeated visiting San Francisco GG 31-26.  The Golden Gates led 13-12 at the half off strong forward play and try scores from lock Aaron Satchwell and 8-man Michael Gibbs.  With the wind at their backs in the second frame, the Lions advanced the ball through the air, sending wing Arno Hugo and outside center Scott Pederson in for trys. The Gate�s Grant Wells closed the Lion�s lead with three-second half-penalty goals into the tough Chicago breeze; however, Chicago capitalized and rushed in a late penalty try to give the hosts a ticket to next week�s semifinals.   

The West�s second seed, the Denver Barbarians, fell at home to the New York AC 35-28.   NYAC�s road win marked the first time in the history of the RSL playoffs that a third seed defeated a second seed in the Quarterfinals. The large NYAC pack held the lead the entire match, controlling the mauls and stealing nearly a dozen Barbo�s line outs. Late in the match, at 75 minutes, Denver scored to close the NYAC lead to two, 30-28. To the dismay of hundreds of Barbo�s fans in attendance, with three minutes remaining, NYAC flyhalf Aidan Mara was able to take advantage of an overload and sprinted 20-meters to give the visitors the final 35-28 quarterfinal victory. Eager to take home their playoff win, New York Head Coach Mike Tolkin accredited the win to tough conference play, �Great conference rugby prepared us for today�s match.�

In beautiful San Diego, defending champ Belmont Shore jumped to an early 22-7 half time advantage over the visiting Potomac Athletic Club. PAC, the East�s fourth seed, stormed back in the second half as wing Danzel Van Zyl led the way with two early second half trys to close the Belmont lead to 10. The undefeated side from Long Beach was able to counter the PAC surge moving the ball effectively among their talented back line to score two late trys to give the home team the 42-26 final score. Unfortunately for PAC, they were without their leading scorer Roberto Infante for the second game in a row. The fullback couldn�t play because of a groin injury.  

On a dry and dusty day in the Bronx, host Old Blue continued their winning ways by defeating OMBAC 31-14. Old Blue jumped out to a 24-0 early second half lead. The Old Blue Bull�s dominated pack play throughout the match, continually winning lineouts and mauls that sprung long runs from their back line � mainly, fullback Matt Pritchard.  The Bull�s Jeremy Nash cashed in on two long Pritchard runs. Nash scored two trys for the home team. Late scores from OMBAC�s wing Mark Crovelli and 8-man Taualupe Siale narrowed the margin as the final whistle sounded.
 
Next Saturday�s early semifinal match has New York AC traveling to the Bronx borough to take on top-rival Old Blue. The Chicago Lions, East�s second seed, travel to San Diego to take on defending champion Belmont Shore.  The winners will meet in the RSL Championship in Hartford, Connecticut, following the USA vs Wales test match on June 4th.

The USA Rugby Super League is proudly sponsored by Michelob Amberbock, the official beer of the Rugby Super League, by Kudu Rugby, the official rugby outfitter of the Rugby Super League, by Summit Rugby Balls, the official ball of the Rugby Super League and by Rugby America, official screen printer of the Rugby Super League.

RSL OFFICIAL QUARTERFINAL MATCH RESULTS
OMBAC 14(W4) @ Old Blue 31 (E1)
NYAC (E3) 35 @ Denver Barbarians (W2) 28
SFGG 26 (W3) @ Chicago Lions 31 (E2)
PAC (E4) 26 @ Belmont Shore (W1) 42

RSL SEMIFINAL MATCHES � May 21, 2005
NYAC (E3) @ Old Blue (E1)
Chicago (E2) @ Belmont Shore (W1)