NY KNIGHTS 2009 AMNRL CHAMPIONS!

Knights suffer second loss to Wildcats 30-46
June 28, 2008

Update: Photos added to galleries page

Despite scoring 4 tries in the second half, the New York Knights were unable to catch up to the sizable first half lead that they gave up to the Connecticut Wildcats in a 30-46 loss on Saturday. Both teams were forced to play in searing 100 degree heat but the Wildcats ability to establish a 36-6 lead at the half was enough to ensure victory.

The game started out slow for both teams in the initial minutes of the first half, with both teams completing their initial sets. Then the Knights made a series of crucial handling errors which lead to the Wildcats first try. With the heat seeming to increase 10 degrees since the kickoff, the Knights found themselves at the beginning of what would be a scoring salvo by the Wildcats, who scored 5 unanswered tries over the next 30 minutes of play. Even with several substitutes from the bench, the Knights could not stop the Wildcats offense. To add further insult to injury, Knights players Jeremy Kosbob and Vincent Fournier were both sent off the field for dangerous tackles. It looked as if it was lights out for the Knights.

Suddenly the Knights woke up and after a brilliant individual effort by hooker Jean Philippe Martinez; the Knights were finally on the score board! After converting his own try which made the score 36-6, Martinez sent the tired Knights to the sheds at halftime with a glimmer of hope for the second half.

With two Knights players sent to the showers, the Knights played the entire second half of the game with only 11 players! As tough as that is to do in any circumstance, the Knights were forced to do it on a day which easily was the hottest day that summer! However showing the true grit and determination that the Knights are known for, the team stuck together and not only held the Wildcats to two tries the entire second half, lead the half in scoring 24 to 10! Making his Knights debut, 18 year old winger Rob Cabrera showed why he may soon be one of the top new wingers in the AMNRL, by scoring his first try for the Knights shortly after the kickoff!

After a series of hard tackles and handling errors by the Wildcats, the Knights found themselves with several scoring opportunities in the Wildcats' red zone, but they were unable to convert. With fatigue setting in, the 11 mighty Knights found themselves standing in their try zone once again after the Wildcats scored two quick tries. But the Knights were not ready to call it a day, and dug deep to set up a great line break and individual effort by half back Beaudie Cullen. With 5 minutes left in the game and the Knights needed one more try to get an all important bonus point for scoring 4 tries in a game. Their prayers were answered after a brilliant run from stand out second row Dan "The Fort" Knox who barreled his way over the try line giving the Knights their 4th try. Showing the Wildcats and the rest of the League that you can never turn your back on the Knights, hooker Jean-Philippe Martinez intercepted a pass and ran 70 meters down the field before passing the ball to winger Danny McDermott who was in support!

Head Coach Guill Cieutat, while disappointed with the loss, was very happy with the spirit that the team showed in the second half. "I am happy that even with 11 players; they played for each other in the second half!" When asked what they need to do to improve Cieutat believed that, "...the boys need to show a lot more urgency from the opening kickoff. We have always been a good team when we are behind, we now need to learn how to establish a lead early on and hold on to it! Our poor completion rate in the first half didn't help us as well."

For the second time in four matches, the Jacobs Creek Man of the Match was won by Sean "Babyface" Taylor who despite his young age, is proving he's got what it takes to play with the big boys!

The Knights will have plenty of time to work on this during their off week this upcoming week as they prepare for their next game against the Raiders on Friday July 11th at 9pm at the Castle!