Quick Start Bombers Win in Charlotte

April 28, 2007 - Charlotte, NC

The St. Louis Bombers ran in four first-half tries to build a sizeable lead, then held off a late Charlotte surge to win 34-22 on a beautiful spring day in North Carolina. Center Andrew Pita and fullback Conail Boyd each scored and assisted on tries as the the Bomber backline reaped the benefits of a strong performance from the St. Louis forwards.

Andrew Pita sliced through the Charlotte backline to open the scoring 5 minutes into the match, quickly followed by another try from his midfield partner Eric Hinson. Bomber flyhalf Rene Monette converted both tries to give St. louis an early 14-0 lead.

Bomber fullback Conail Boyd got into the act with a nice assist on a try by wing Alan Kloss, then dotted down with a try of his own from a quick burst through a Charlotte gap. Monette converted both tries and added a penalty kick to give St. Louis a 31-0 lead. Charlotte's George Miller contributed a penalty kick just before half to get his side on the board 31-3.

Bomber fullback Conail Boyd got into the act with a nice assist on a try by wing Alan Kloss, then dotted down with a try of his own from a quick burst through a Charlotte gap. Monette converted both tries and added a penalty kick to give St. Louis a 31-0 lead. Charlotte's George Miller contributed a penalty kick just before half to get his side on the board 31-3.

The Bomber forwards were led by skipper John McBride, who was again very dominant in the scrums. Lock John McGuire was a vacuum cleaner in the lineouts and the backrow trio of Josh Witten, Alex McPheeters and Josh Rainey did a fine job tackling and supporting.

The Bombers wish to thank sponsors Goslings Rum, 7UP and Colombos for their tremendous support. Spotted in the stands in Charlotte were past stars Sterling Hayden and Rick Wetzel. The young Bomber players enjoyed sharing a few stories at the aftermatch with these Bomber legends.

This was the Bombers second trip to play at Charlotte's beautiful home grounds, complete with a clubhouse overlooking the pitch. The Bombers were hosted tremendously. Upon arrival, the Bomber players and staff were escorted to their own changing rooms complete with toilet, showers, water, bananas, oranges and energy bars. Both sides lined up for the playing of the national anthem, and the pitch was in excellent condition. Afterwards, the team was treated to cold beverages and BBQ. The Bombers wish to thank Charlotte for doing things the right way and setting a good example for all other clubs in and out of the Super League.

Week 6
April 28, 2007
Venue: Skillbeck Grounds, Charlotte, NC
Attendance: 150
Weather: 75 degrees, light breeze, mostly sunny.
Referee: Chris Henshall

full time
home Charlotte 22 away St. Louis 34

halftime: Charlotte 3 St. louis 31

Scoring summary:

Charlotte 22: tries 3: Micheal Cook (:47), Koeloe Basson (:57), Tim Reading (:72).
pens 1: George Miller (:38). cons: Miller 2

St. Louis 34: tries 4: Andrew Pita (:05), Eric Hinson (:12), Alan Kloss (:22),
Conail Boyd (:28). pens: Rene Monette 2 (:16, :34). cons : Monette 4

St. Louis Roster:

1) John McBride (c)
2) Pat Hess
3) Canaan Craig (Gio Lafata @65)
4) Phil Reed
5) John McGuire
6) Alex McPheeters
7) Josh Witten (JP Shen @65)
8) Josh Rainey
9) Scott giljum
10) Rene Monette
11) Justin Mastroianni (Jim Morrison @68)
12) Eric Hinson
13) Andrew Pita
14) Alan Kloss (Joe Mertz @70)
15) Conail Boyd