NEWS
Knights Survive "The Great Flood" defeating the Axemen 44-32June 14, 2008
Update: Photos added to galleries page
With the famed Knight's home ground "The Castle" almost underwater due to severe thunderstorms that pelted the New York City region, the Knights were able to hold on to their undefeated season with a 44-32 victory over the visiting Jacksonville Axemen!
With conditions wet and slippery underfoot, the Knights had the better of possession throughout the first half. Errors inside their own half by Jacksonville gave the Knights the ball in good scoring position, but they were unfortunately unable to score. The Knights got things in motion when hooker JP "Pépite" Martinez put the Knights on the scoreboard first after about 8 minutes of play.
It took less than 5 minutes until the Knights were under the posts again after Gareth Baxendale orchestrated a great try by faking the pass from dummy half to dive over the try line. The Knights then received another brilliant solo effort, this time from five eight Beaudie Cullen, who finished the movement with a try under the sticks.
It looked like the Knights could have closed the door on the visitors but the Axemen showed great poise and speed and with a pair of tries silencing the Knights crowd. Even after Knights big prop JC Rocha busted over the line for a try just before halftime, the Knights new that the game was far from over!
Shortly after the opening kickoff of the second half, the Axemen fought their way back into the game by scoring twice immediately after halftime. The visitors did a good job taking advantage of handling errors by the Knights and kept the Knights on their heals for a good part of the second half. Thankfully the Knights were able to responded to the Axemen's axe after young USA Tomahawks Prop Ryan Mulligan found the try line. After some big yards by new prop Andre La Morgia, Tom Scheinzbach showed some impressive foot work and scored his first try of the season.
Several times during the match the Axemen found themselves in Knights territory but despite their pressure they were not able to get across the line. Holding on to the slimiest of leads, the Knights sealed the win with a spectacular try by prop and the Jacobs Creek "Man of the Match" JC Rocha!
Next week, the Knights will play this year's competition co-leaders the New Haven Warriors on Friday night at the castle starting at 9pm!
Knights Try Scorers:
JP Martinez
Gareth Baxendale
Beaudie Cullen
Ryan Mulligan
Tom Scheinzbach
JC Rocha (2)
Goals:
JP Martinez (8)
SPONSORS
