The Paradise Island Jacksonville Axemen have been crowned the American National Rugby League Champions after defeating the New Haven Warriors 34 to 14 in Philadelphia over the weekend.

The Axemen found themselves down 14 to 10 at half time and both teams where delivering punishment to each other like it was on sale. Both teams had injuries from the ferocious tackling and barnstorming runs to take into the locker room at the break. From concussions to broken noses to guys needed stitches on cuts that had opened up on faces, the game saw it's share of damage.

The second half however was all Axemen as the fitness level of the Florida team began to show. The Jacksonville team shut out the Connecticut side with their trademark defense and then started an offensive assault that saw them post 24 unanswered points.

Brent Shorten was named MVP for the game after 3 trys and 4 conversions that got his personal tally to 20 points.

The Axemen are now back in Jacksonville and will be at Time Out Sports Grill  tonight (Monday) at 7pm to celebrate with their fans.