BARBARIANS INVADE BIG APPLE FOR RSL SEMI-FINALS

Denver Barbarians take their Rugby Super League title hopes on the road for their second straight playoff match and third of the last four matches. The Barbarians assault Travers Island, where New York Athletic Club (NYAC) opened their new complex last weekend. The match kicks off at 3 pm EST, with the winner coming to Denver next weekend for the RSL Finals at Glendale's Infinity Park.

NYAC, the top seed in the RSL, escaped a late rally to defeat San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby Club last weekend in New York. The Barbarians, the RSL 5 th seed, sacked Charlotte last weekend with a 32-0 opening half onslaught, withstood a late match counterattack, and won 39-24.

Both sides sport some legitimate stars of US Rugby. NYAC scrumhalf Mike Petri joins Barbarian lock John Van der Giessen on the upcoming Churchill Cup squad for their test matches in June. Barbarians prop Chris Moreno and #8 Pat Quinn have been named to the USA Selects, along with NYAC's flyhalf Chris Mayo to take on the England Counties squad at New York's Columbia University on June 6 th and 9 th. The Barbarians also field former USA capped players, lock Mike Mangan, flyhalf Link Wilfley, and scrumhalf Tyson Meek.

By all accounts, NYAC plays a disciplined and team oriented game, fully capable of stout defense, and offensive firepower. This pattern served NYAC well when SFGG broke down last weekend in the first half. NYAC took a 12-0 lead on four Luke Milton (outside center) first half penalty kicks. NYAC scored a converted second half try to lead 19-0 before SFGG blasted back with two late converted tries.

In the game of comparative scores, the Barbarians also defeated SFGG earlier this season 16-13 in a late comeback. NYAC lost to Belmont Shore 32-20 at home, while Denver beat Semi-Finalist Belmont Shore 27-24 on opening day in Long Beach, snapping their 23-match home winning streak. Both teams hammered Washington (NYAC 62-19 and Denver 107-0).

In the other Semi-Final Belmont Shore hosts Chicago Lions in Long Beach. Both sides had lopsided victories in their Quarterfinal matches last weekend. Belmont Shore spanked Boston Irish Wolfhounds in California, 36-8, while the Lions mauled Boston Rugby Club 49-15 in Boston. NYAC defeated the Lions 3 weeks ago in Chicago 8-5 in a rainstorm.

Denver has a strong forward unit as does NYAC. Both teams have strong halfbacks and outside backs that have the ability to break down defenses. This should be a great match between two squads that focus on team play and ball possession.

Go to the following articles/links for:

eRugbyNews article on the Barbarians focus on team play, with an interview of Pat Quinn, see link below:

http://www.erugbynews.com/article.php?sec=123&a=2651

eRugbyNews article on NYAC's buildup to the Denver match, see link below:

http://www.erugbynews.com/article.php?sec=123&a=2652

The Sleeping Giant: Rugby in America blog, which was 1-3 in last week's RSL Quarter-Final predictions, favors NYAC in a close match. See link below:

http://www.usasleepinggiant.blogspot.com/

American Rugby News has the following to say about the two Semi-Finals at the link below:

http://www.americanrugbynews.com/artman/publish/super_league/Super_League_semifinals_preview.shtml

DENVER BARBARIANS: 1 Chris Moreno, 2 Tim Russo, 3 Mike Landau, 4 John Van der Giessen, 5 Mike Mangan, 6 Adam Drury, 7 Andrew Post, 8 Pat Quinn, 9 Tyson Meek, 10 Link Wilfley, 11 Mark Bokhoven, 12 Jake Humphrey, 13 David Yavala, 14 Mark Crovelli, 15 Dan Bludeau, 16 Kyle Fenton, 17 Mike Kelley, 18 Fernando Alvarez (non-resident), 19 Garrett Peterson, 20 Jody Kramer, 21 Ross Kantor, 22 Ben Haapapuro.

Head Coach: Dave Hodges

NEW YORK ATHLETIC CLUB: Not available at press time.

Coaches: Mike Tolkin and Bruce McClain

About Denver Barbarians Rugby Club

The Denver Barbarians Rugby Club was founded in 1967.The Barbos have supplied many players to all levels of select side play including the Eagles, the United States National Team. In addition, many referees, coaches, and administrators at all levels have emerged from the Barbos ranks. The Club has won championships at the National, Territorial, and Local level in both 15's and seven-a-side play.

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The Denver Barbarians Rugby Club wishes to thank our sponsors:

Republic Financial Corporation: a privately held company with investment interests in a diverse portfolio of operating companies and assets.

Heineken: Brewed since 1863, Heineken was the first imported beer to reach America's shores in the 1880s and following the repeal of prohibition in1933. Since our inception in 1995, Heineken USA has been a leader in theimported beer segment, and has built a reputation for high quality and for excellence-both in the products we sell and the manner in which we conduct our business.

Impact Sports Performance: Colorado's premier sports training facility.

British Bulldog Pub: Restaurant and pub, with a wide selection of imported beers, in downtown Denver.

PrintPointe: Business communications featuring full-service printing & copying center.

Chiropractic of North Denver:Chiropractor services at 8472 Federal Blvd. (303) 429-0011