The AMNRL Piranha Guard development series started with a win for the Stockyarders at Langhorst Field stadium against Elmhurst College Bluejays in front of a vociferous crowd. The Stockyarders were dominant in the first half with tries from live-wire full back Brian Rooney and powerhouse forward Eric Hunt after a barnstorming run for the line. Both tries were converted by new Stockyarders captain and half back Quinn Macali to put Chicago 12-0 up at half time. The second half saw the Bluejays grow in confidence and the young side threatened as the Stockyarders tired late on. Two late tries from Dustin Haake brought the home side to the brink of being level but Haake missed his second conversion and in the end that was the difference between the two teams in a humdinger of a game.

Eric Hunt took the GS Promotions MVP award for the Stockyarders with a series of blockbusting runs that set him apart on the night including a 60 metre effort that was chalked off for a double movement. He was pushed closely by Flav Chuahy, Rooney and Dave Whitney. A special mention to Chris Togni who racked up some long minutes playing prop on a fast paced night.

Teams:

Stockyarders
Brian Rooney
Zibi Pawlowski,
Dejavan Stovall,
Dave Whitney
Josve Saucedo
Falvio Chuahy
Quinn Macali (C)
Chris Togni
Eric Hunt
Subs:
Jon Wong
Ian Rose

Bluejays
Mike Weinberg (c)
Hezekiah White
Dustin Haake
Robbie Elsea
TJ Storino
Landon Bruni
Mark Betancourt
Byron Niles
Andrew Kubicz
Subs:
Ross Reichert
John Overton
Libu Mathew
Joe Carr
Seal Tews
Peter Ruffalo
Robert Szufransh
Scott Herzog

HT score 0-12

Ref: Mike Featherstone (AMNRL Midwest)

Venue: Langhorst Field stadium, Elmhurst IL.