USA

Only three games remain on the road to the United States' Super League (SL) play-offs, which get underway on May 17, and four of the six contenders still have everything to play for.

With the exception of Charlotte, who are looking to upgrade their already clinched play-off standing with a bonus-point victory, the outcome of this Saturday’s make-up matches means the difference between potential post-season glory or a trip home to regroup and try again next year.

This week's matches:

Boston Irish Wolfhounds v St Louis Bombers
Irish Cultural Centre, Massachusetts (12.30 EDT)

At one-and-five, the St. Louis Bombers are out of the play-off hunt, but with a win the Boston Irish Wolfhounds are still in the post-season picture.

BIW picked up a win last weekend after Washington forfeited, but have certainly proven themselves tough competitors this season – with a win over OMBAC in Week Four and a close 17-18 loss to last season’s runners up the Chicago Lions in week 6.

Boston needs a victory to stay alive, but a win with a bonus point would be enough to push them ahead of the Dallas Harlequins and take over the No.2 White Conference play-off spot.

Chicago Griffins v Charlotte
Schiller Woods, Chicago (13.00 CDT)

Charlotte has a chance to complete the ultimate season-to-season turnaround and steal the Blue Conference title from Boston Rugby Club, which gave up a tie against PAC last weekend to remain within striking distance.

Already locked into at least the No.2 position in the standings, Charlotte has nothing to lose and everything to gain – a win with a bonus point this weekend would be enough to overtake Boston.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Griffins still hang on to a glimmer of play-off hope if they can knock off the five-and-one Charlotte squad with at least four tries.

Washington v Chicago Lions
Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, Maryland (13.00 EDT)

After a disheartening 5-8 loss against White Conference leader New York Athletic Club last weekend, the Chicago Lions wrap up their season on the road against Washington this Saturday.

Last year’s SL runners up and perennial play-off contenders, the Lions need a bonus point win to remain in the play-off race.

Results - Week Eight:
OMBAC 17-28 Belmont Shore
SF Golden Gate 70-10 Santa Monica
OPSB 21-96 Denver Barbarians
NYAC 8-5 Chicago Lions
Dallas Harlequins 31-5 Philly-Whitemarsh
Washington 0-28 BIW
PAC 20-20 Boston Rugby
Charlotte 38-18 St. Louis
Chicago Griffins 15-22 Old Blue
 
A Look at the Standings After Week Eight (under headings games won and points):

Red Conference:
Belmont Shore 5  26
Denver Barbos 5 25
SFGG 5 25
OMBAC 4 21
Santa Monica 3 15
OPSB 1 6
 
White Conference:
NYAC 6 30
Dallas 4 21
Boston Irish 3 17
Chicago Lions 3 16
Philly 1 6
Washington 0 2
 
Blue Conference:
Boston 5 27
Charlotte 5 23
Chicago Griffins 3 16
PAC 1 11
Old Blue 1 10
St. Louis 1 7