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FEATURE STORY
Steelers Outgun Avalanche
The Provo Steelers proved too strong for the Utah Avalanche in a well-contested game of rugby league Saturday in Provo, UT. The Steelers won 78-24.
In 83 degree heat, the Steelers overpowered and outplayed the Avalanche.
Utah Avalanche president George Tupou said it was a good hit-out for the newly formed American National Rugby League expansion team despite the final outcome.
“We made a lot of mistakes and turned the ball over early in the tackle count and the Steelers capitalized on our mistakes and put points on the board,” said Tupou.
“You can't give the Steelers a lot of possessions and expect to win the game. The Provo Steelers are the best rugby team in Utah and they have a lot of experienced players and they showed that in the game.
“I told the team; don't be discouraged because it's only our first game and we can only get better from here. I'm proud of the way the guys played and kept going to the end. We have a lot of work to do to improve and now that we had that game out of the way we can move on and focus on improving.”
It was a full 80-minute match of rugby league rules and both teams agree that overall the game was a success and played in good spirits.
The Steelers compete in USA Rugby's club divisions, while the Avalanche is part of the AMNRL's expansion plans for a new Western Conference that will include the Las Vegas Warriors and Denver Blizzards.
