Belmont Shore flew into Philadelphia with victory on their minds and they weren't to be denied as round five of this year's USA Rugby Super League championship was completed on Sunday.

Playing under cloudy skies and in cold, drizzly conditions at AA Garthwaite Stadium in Conshohocken, PA, the southern Californians took it to their Red Conference rivals right from the get go and went on to win 30-7. Philadelphia-Whitemarsh was simply outclassed on the day by a team determined to regain its winning form of the late 90s.

Belmont Shore crossed for four tries, all by the League's leading try-scorer Alex Hammill (11), against Philly's one. Flyhalf Mike Hercus booted another two penalties and two conversions. The result secured another bonus point for Shore and kept their unbeaten record (4-0) intact, as well as seeing them remain atop their Conference standings.

"We're very pleased with the result given the conditions and quality of the opposition," said Shore's Academy coach Kyle Quinn. "They played really well in stretches and didn't allow us to play our normal style of game. On defense they were pretty good and were unlucky not to finish off some of their movements. They're a quality side unlucky with their record."

The scoreline wasn't necessarily a true reflection of the game though, with Philadelphia-Whitemarsh's forward pack more than matching it with their Belmont Shore counterparts. Philly's scrumhalf Anasa Koroitamana got the home team's solitary five-pointer, while center Vaughn Crowe kicked the conversion.

"Our scrum was fantastic and we won a few tightheads," said Philly's media manager Michael Badger. "They were better than us in the backs, but we got some real solid play out of our forwards. Second rowers Matt Winters and Tyson Campbell had great games. We matched up with them pretty well, except for their outside speed where they were better."

After five rounds, Belmont Shore, Aspen and Old Blue New York remain the Super League's only undefeated teams, with next weekend's much anticipated clash in Los Angeles between Shore and Aspen being seen as a litmus test for both clubs. Not only will they be vying for Red Conference supremacy and bragging rights, but they'll also be mindful of the psychological edge the winner will gain with a view to the post season.

The top two teams from each of the three conferences will go into the playoffs, along with two wildcard teams, and home field advantage is something on the minds of all clubs in the post season hunt.