The playoffs started last week for the Bayonne Bombers.

OK, technically that’s not true, but in the minds of the players, it is. The Bombers entered last weekend knowing they likely needed to win two games – their regular Saturday match, and Sunday’s makeup of a postponement, in order to get to the postseason.

“The players were fully aware that it was win or go home,” said Bayonne president Tim Skennion. “We feel like the playoffs started last week for us. We had to win two games on the road, in two days, which wasn’t easy, but now we get to host a game.”

Bayonne hosts Burlington in the Northeast RFU DII club (official) playoffs, while Union visits Portland.

The difference in the games is that Bayonne and Burlington have played each other recently. About half the Bayonne starting lineup has played Burlington in previous playoff matches, and that experience, combined with their depth, should help them.

“Our depth really helped us this past weekend,” said Skennion. “And we’re healthy and deep this week.”

The big change for the Bombers is their approach. Long a pack-heavy team, they have expanded their game. Wing Mike Vogt leads the team with ten tries on the season, and Daniel Lee is just as potent on the other wing.

Now the Bombers have weapons out wide as well as up front. And their pack remains storng. Captain Kyle Mallory Dionell Peart and Paul Laughnane all are part of an impressive forward eight.

Now all they have to do is put it together.

“We’re enjoying the way we’re playing and we’re excited to showcase what we can do at home,” said Skennion. “We feel like we’ve already been in the playoffs, and we’ve dealt the with pressure already.”