Date	Opponent	Kickoff	Location	Venue	Result	Man of the Match
May 27th	USA Rugby League 9’s tournament	11:00 am	Away	Philadelphia	2nd Place Cup Divison	Anthony Elghossain
June 4th	Oneida F.C.	9:00 pm	Away	Charlestown High School Stadium	W 54-10	Jack Dunn
June 11th	New Jersey Turnpike Titans	T.B.D.	Away	Lincoln Park	W 30-22	Jaron McLaurin
June 18th	Rhode Island Rebellion	2:00 pm	Home	Duke Ellington Field	W 36-28	Andrew Payne
June 25th	New Haven Warriors	2:00 pm	Home	Duke Ellington Field	W 28-16	Mao Lamoli
July 9th	Philadelphia Fight	2:00 pm	Home	Duke Ellington Field	W 24-13	Tim Douglas
July 16th	New Jersey Turnpike Titans	4:00 pm	Away	New Jersey 7's	W 62-16	Trevor Peterson
July 23rd	Jacksonville Axemen	2:00 pm	Home	Duke Ellington Field	L 36-16	John Young
July 30th	Boston 13’s	3:00 pm	Away	M.I.T. Steinbrenner Stadium	W 58-8	Joe Pontak
August 13th	Philadelphia Fight Semi-FInals	12:00 noon	Home	Duke Ellington Field	L 32-18	Jamal Milani
August 27th	Fight vs Warriors	2:00 pm	Away	Philadelphia	Fight 28-26	N/A

SLAYERS REMAIN ATOP THE USARL WITH A WIN OVER THE TITANS

The Slayers hit the road this week to take on the New Jersey Titans as part of the New Jersey 7’s tournament.

Both sides came out ready to play but it was the Slayers finding the line first with Center Asa Jearld going over for the try, Five-Eighth Aaron Cook missed the conversion. Slayers up 4-0. The Titans quickly executed on a Slayers mistake and crossed the try line but missed the conversion. All tied 4-4. The Slayers then turned up their offense and Second Row Trevor Peterson found a huge hole and went over the line, Cook converted. Slayers 10-4. Late in the first period, Utility Player Dave Parmiter went over the line with the pass from Aaron Cook, Cook converted. End of the first; Slayers 16, Titans 4.

The Slayers took control in the second with tries from Wing Seta Palamo and Center Tonga Fanueli, Cook converted both tries. At the half; Slayers 28, Titans 4.

In the third, the Slayers put on an offensive display with four different players scoring five total tries. Fullback Troy Smith took the offload from Aaron Cook at full speed and raced over the line, Cook converted. Aaron Cook went over twice. Lock Mao Lamoli, and Wing JJ Velez also found the line, Cook hit 2 of 4 conversions. Hooker Tim Douglas converted a try. At the end of the third; Slayers 52, Titans 4.

In the fourth, the Slayers continued executing their offense with Mao Lamoli getting his second try of the day, Cook converted. Slayers up 58-4. Due to a dangerous tackle, JJ Velez was given the yellow card and sin binned for the last 10 minutes. The Titans took advantage of the overload and had two powerful runs to find the try line and converted both. However, the Slayers were not finished. Troy Smith went over in the last minutes to secure the victory, Fanueli missed the conversion. At the whistle; Slayers 62, Titans 16.

With the loss, the Titans are all but eliminated from the playoffs while the Slayers maintain the top position in the USARL but face an enormous week 7 opponent in the Jacksonville Axemen who are eager to get back on top of the leader board.

Man of the Match was Trevor Peterson for his unrelenting effort all day. Prop Rob Mikolajko gave a huge performance on the day and was given the honorable mention by the selection committee.


Next up on 23 July, the Slayers face the Jacksonville Axemen at Duke Ellington Field. Kickoff is set for 3pm.

Slayers Tries
Aaron Cook 2
Troy Smith 2
Mao Lamoli 2
Asa Jearld 1
Trevor Peterson 1
JJ Velez 1
Seta Palamo 1
Dave Parmiter 1
Tonga Fanueli 1

Slayers Conversion
Aaron Cook 6 for 10
Tim Douglas 1 for 1
Tonga Fanueli 0 for 1

SLAYERS EDGE FIGHT RO REMAIN NUMBER 1

On the warmest match day yet, 95°F (35°C), at 2:00 pm in front of a crowd again exceeding 100, the Slayers took the field for their third home match at Duke Ellington Field against the Philadelphia Fight. For the second week in a row, the number 1 and number 2 USARL teams competed for the coveted 1st pace spot and this one promised to be just as exciting as last week’s clash between the Fight and the Axemen. The winner would secure 1st place outright as the only remaining undefeated, cement themselves in the playoffs, and ever closer to a home field advantage.

From the whistle, this match delivered on the hype. The Slayers kicked off to the Fight and in the first tackle, Center Young Woo went down with a broken nose; he would not return. The entire first quarter was tight with both sides looking for opportunities to exploit their opponent. None came as the score at the end of 20 minutes remained 0-0.

As the second quarter began, the Slayers settled into their game plan and Five-Eighth Aaron Cook’s patience finally found the gap and he went over the line for the Slayers’ first try of the day. He converted and the Slayers were on top 6-0. The Slayers’ defense continued to deny any attempt by the Fight to gain major ground. Second Row Andrew Payne and Lock Mao Lamoli showed why they are the cornerstones of defense laying punishing hits. Second Row Trevor Peterson and Props Jack Dunn and Hannibal Vaivoa pounded up the middle on offense. The Fight’s defense rallied and held the Slayers scoreless to the half where the score remained 6-0.

In the Third quarter, the Fight showed a renewed strength and drove down the field. Capitalizing on a Slayers’ mistake, the Fight put one over the line and converted. Score was tied 6-6. With possession, the Fight drive again and due to an offside call, were again deep in Slayers’ territory and find the try line for the second time, convert, and take the lead 6-12. Slayers Center Dave Parmiter, Prop Jaron McLaurin, and Center Asa Jearld each had missed opportunities to score and at the end of the third, the Fight lead 6-12.

The Slayers would not be denied in the fourth quarter. They worked down the field and right at the try line, Hooker Tim Douglas with the keeper went over, Cook converted to bring back the tie, 12-12. Play went back and forth with both sides knowing what was at stake. The Fight got excellent field advantage and were within striking distance. Slayers defense was strong, but did not stop the Fight from putting up the field goal and take the lead 12-13. With 10 minutes left, the Slayers began their push; huge runs by the forwards and backs put them near the line. Finally, Wing Seta Palomo received the pass and ran over the line, Cook converted; Slayers up 18-13. A few minutes later, Aaron Cook again found the gap and went over the line and converted; Slayers up 24-13. In the closing minutes, the Fight were on the move and determined to score. However, a last second knock on gave the Slayers the ball as time ran out. At the end of 80 minutes, the final score was 24-13 for the Slayers.

Said Captain Tim Douglas, “Today was exactly what we expected out of the Fight. They are a tough opponent with the ability to punish you if you make a mistake. It was a great battle and we were fortunate enough to come out on top at the end of 80.”

On their performance for the day Coach Hanson said, “We knew the Fight were going to bring everything they had to this one to remain at the top of the board. Our game plan execution went very well but did get a little sidetracked in the third quarter. The lads rallied under Tim and Aaron and got it done today. I couldn’t be more pleased with their performance. We now need to remain focused and finish out the rest of the season.”

Breaking from tradition, the team informed the selectors that their vote for Man of the Match was Captain and Hooker Tim Douglas. “Tim showed why we selected him Captain and gave an outstanding performance today”, said Jaron McLaurin.


Next up on 16 July, the Slayers travel to Princeton, NJ to take on the New Jersey Turnpike Titans.

Slayers Tries
Aaron Cook 2
Tim Douglas 1
Seta Palamo 1

Slayers Conversion
Aaron Cook 4 for 4

SLAYERS HOLD OFF WARRIORS TO REMAIN UNDEFEATED

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon at 3:00pm in front of another crowd exceeding 100, the Slayers took the field for their second home match at Duke Ellington Field against the New Haven Warriors.

In a match holding major playoff implications for both sides, the Slayers and Warriors geared up for an exciting match. On the line was the Slayers continuing their undefeated season and for the Warriors, a second loss of the season.

For the fourth week in a row, the Slayers fielded the league maximum 23 man roster. From the kickoff, the Slayers controlled the match with aggressive defense and completing sets but were not able to find the try line early on. The forwards continued their usual assault up the middle; however, ball security was an issue. The Warriors mounted attacks but were also held off from the try zone. Late in the first period, Wing John Young intercepted a pass from a Warriors Center and ran the ball back 80 yards for the Slayers first try of the match, Five-Eighth Aaron Cook converted. Slayers led 6-0.

The second half was much like the first with both sides getting close but being denied. Halfway through the period, Aaron Cook found an opening and went over the line and converted. Slayers led 12-0. Not long afterwards, Prop Jaron McLaurin pounded up the middle and found the try zone. Aaron Cook missed his first conversion of the season. Slayers led 16-0. Near the half, Fullback Troy Smith, making his return to the Slayers after a week one knee injury, tore through the back line and with an offload from Aaron Cook went untouched into the zone, Aaron Cook converted. At the half, Slayers led 22-0.

During the third period, both sides regrouped and the Warriors were attacking deep in the Slayers field. In a back and forth scene filled with Slayers penalties and Warriors knock-ons the Slayers defense held the line and kept the Warriors from scoring. After recouping from the Warrior onslaught, the Slayers were again driving up the pitch. Lock Mao Lamoli continued his dominating runs and fought his way into the try zone with two Warriors on his back, Aaron Cook converted. Slayers led 28-0.

The first half of the fourth period was another back and forth with both sides pushing at the line but being turned away empty. With 10 minutes left in the match, Aaron Cook was sin binned. Having the one man advantage, the Warriors mounted their attack and put in a try but missed the conversion. Slayers led 28-4. Quickly, the Warriors put in two more tries and converted both. Slayers led 28-16. Late in the period, the Warriors were driving again, but the Slayers were able to re-center their defense and held the Warriors to the final whistle. Slayers win 28-16.

Slayers forwards were on fire again this week with punishing runs and tremendous hits in defense. The backline is emerging into a fine tuned machine as they run routes seamlessly and find openings to exploit. After the match, Coach Hanson said, “We had another great outing this week. The lads played a tremendous match and held off a strong effort by New Haven. Unfortunately we lost Aaron at the end of the match on a questionable call. Our defense let a few slip by at the close of the match, but in the end, they held strong and made us proud.”

The selection committee had their hands full this week selecting the Man of the Match. Any player that walked on the field this week definitely had his name in the hat. In the end though, Mao Lamoli was selected for his play on both sides of the ball. “Mao has been amazing each week. He’s been in contention for the past three weeks but his play today put him over the top”, said Co-Captain John Young.

Next up for the Slayers, on 9 July, another week of number 1 versus number 2 undefeated teams as the Philadelphia Fight fresh off their upset of the Jacksonville Axemen travel to Duke Ellington Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00pm

Slayers Tries
John Young 1
Aaron Cook 1
Jaron McLaurin 1
Troy Smith 1
Mao Lamoli 1

Slayers Conversion
Aaron Cook 4 for 5

SLAYERS WARD OFF TENACIOUS REBELLION SIDE

On a warm Saturday at 2:30 pm in front of a crowd exceeding 100, the Slayers took the field for their first home match at Duke Ellington Field against the Rhode Island Rebellion.

The Slayers came out strong and early in the first quarter, Five-Eighth Aaron Cook found a hole in the Rebellion defense and went in for the Slayers first try and converted.  Soon afterwards, Aaron again found the try line and converted.  Everything seemed to be going for the Slayers when the Rebellion center intercepted a pass and took it 80 yards for the try and conversion.  After a Rebellion turnover, the Slayers marched down the field and Hooker Tim Douglas took the play the ball and leaped in for the try from the 1 yard line.  Just prior to the half, Aaron Cook reacting to the Rebellion’s mistake made a chip kick over the defense and found the try zone for the third time in the half and converted.  At the half, the Slayers led 24-6.

Coming out of the half, the Rebellion capitalized on the Slayers lapse moment and ran the kickoff back for a try and conversion.  The Slayers got the ball back and were driving when the Rebellion defense blocked a kick after the fifth tackle and took it in for the try.  The Slayers rallied and Lock Mao Laumoli broke the line for a 50 yard run; Aaron Cook ran in support and took the offload from Mao to score his fourth try on the day and conversion. The Rebellion capitalized on another Slayer turnover for a try and conversion.  In the fourth quarter, Prop Hannibal Vaivoa made a thundering 20 yard run for the try with Aaron Cook converting.  With under a minute left, the Rebellion found the try line but missed the conversion.  The Slayers held on to win the match 36-28.

For the Slayers, several players made their case for Man of the Match.  Locks Dain Bentley and Mao Laumoli had huge runs along with massive hits in defense, Second row Trevor Peterson had his usually strong match along with Props Jack Dunn and Jaron McLaurin. In the backs, centers Asa Jearld and Young Woo were solid on both offense and defense.  Honorable mention go to Wing JJ Velez for his incredible goal line stop.   However, for the entire 80 minutes, whether on the field or off, Second Row Andrew Payne elevated his game and rallied the team around his play.  He was unanimously selected as Man of the Match.  “We all knew Andrew was capable of the type of game he had today.  Today he brought it”, said Coach Danny Hanson.  Captain Tim Douglas offered, “The Rebellion are a much better team than their record indicates.  They are going to continue to grow into a formidable force in the USARL.”

Next up, the Slayers take on the New Haven Warriors at Duke Ellington Field, 25 June at 2pm.

Slayers Tries
Aaron Cook 4
Tim Douglas 1
Hannibal Vaivao 1

Slayers Conversion
Aaron Cook 6 for 6   

SLAYERS STAGE HUGE COMEBACK OVER TITANS

At 12:45pm on a cold and misty, 70°F (21°C), Saturday afternoon the Slayers took the field in Jersey City, New Jersey to face the surprising New Jersey Turnpike Titans.

This match was billed as the USARL match of the week and it did not disappoint in the least. Both sides came out strong determined to show the opposition that the week 1 wins were not flukes. The Slayers struck first as John Young put in the first try for the second week in a row; Five-Eighth Aaron Cook converted. From there, several mistakes on the part of the Slayers allowed the Titans to capitalize and put in 4 unanswered tries with three conversions. Efforts on offense and defense from Prop Jaron McLaurin, Lock Maoa Laumoil, and Second Row Andrew Payne, held the Titans from crossing the line again in the half. Score at half time was Titans 22, Slayers 6.

During the break, the Slayers refocused and came out in the second half ready to dominate. On the kickoff, Wing Ron Hinds and Center Young Woo laid a tremendous hit on a Titan setting the show for the last half of play. From there, the Slayers came alive. Half Tonga Fanueli saw an opening from 20 yards out and headed for the try line for the score; Aaron Cook converted. The Titans mounted an outstanding defense, but the Slayers would not be denied. The Slayers forwards, led by Props Jack Dunn and Jaron McLaurin continued to pound the ball up the middle along with outstanding support from Second Row Trevor Peterson. Aaron Cook went on a tear scoring two tries in a row and converting both. (correction: one of Aaron's tries was scored by Prop Jack Dunn)With the score now Slayer 24, Titans 22, the Titans had opportunities inside the Slayers 20 yard line; however the Slayers held in defense and late in the fourth period, Hooker Tim Douglas put the final nail in the coffin by scoring the Slayers 5th try of the day; Aaron Cook converted. Score at final time was Slayers 30, Titans 22.

For his outstanding play on the day, Jaron McLaurin was selected as Man of the Match. “Jaron came off the bench today and was immediately effective on both sides of the ball with explosive runs and tremendous hitting in defense”, said Coach Danny Hanson.

Next up, the Slayers have their first home match against the Rhode Island Rebellion on 18 June. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00pm at the Duke Ellington Field located at:

3500 R Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20007

The Rebellion match will be recorded and posted on You Tube the following week.

Slayers Tries
Aaron Cook 1
John Young 1
Tonga Fanueli 1
Tim Douglas 1
Jack Dunn 1

Slayers Conversions
Aaron Cook 5 for 5

SLAYERS ROLL OVER SCRAPPY ONIEDA IN SEASON OPENER

At 9pm on a colder than normal, 52°F (11°C), Saturday evening the Slayers began their march for the 2011 USARL title taking the pitch as part of a double header against the reborn Oneida FC. Play began with both teams feeling out one another and looking for that breakout to occur. Within minutes, the first opportunity for the Slayers presented and Wing John Young tore down the side for the Slayers first try of the 2011 season after receiving a quick pass from Aussie import Five-Eighth Aaron Cook. Cook converted the try. Play resumed and it became evident that the Slayers were in control and would not be denied. Prop Jack Dunn, who had an outstanding match on both offense and defense, rolled in for the second try of the day; Cook took the conversion. Wing Anthony Elghossain showed his speed as he broke away for another try with Cook converting. Oneida settled in and through a nice offload pass finally broke the tryline and converted. Other Aussie import Fullback Troy Smith got into the mix and showed why he was signed with an explosive run up the middle for another try; Cook converted. As the first half drew to a close, John Young crossed the tryline for a second time; Cook converted.

Beginning the second half, the Slayers continued their domination as Aaron Cook went over the line and also converted the try. Play resumed and soon after, for the third time on the night, John Young put in the try with Cook converting. Oneida fought back with a few good defensive sets until Center Asa Jearld broke the middle and went over the line; Cook converted. Capitalizing on a Slayers mistake, Oneida crossed the line for the second time but missed the conversion. For the final try of the night, Aaron Cook went over the line and passed the conversion opportunity to Hooker and team captain Tim Douglas who split the uprights.

For his contributions on the night, Jack Dunn was selected as Man of the Match. “Jack was a machine all night long playing the full 80 minutes. In offense, he had several massive runs and was always looking to offload to his teammates; on defense, he did not miss an opportunity to lay the big hits. He is definitely a force in the front row”, said Coach Danny Hanson.

After the match, Douglas said, “Oneida were a great team and never gave up. We had a few mental mistakes on the night, but overall an outstanding performance by the boys.” When asked about the two imports, Douglas smiled and said, “Cookie and Trojan settled into our game plan nicely and the boys responded well to them. We’ll celebrate the win tonight, but be back at it on Monday to prepare for the Titans.”

Next up, the Slayers travel to take on the New Jersey Turnpike Titans on 11 June.

Slayers Tries
John Young 3
Aaron Cook 2
Jack Dunn 1
Anthony Elghossain 1
Asa Jearld 1
Troy Smith 1

Slayers Conversions
Aaron Cook 8 for 8
Tim Douglas 1 for 1