NY KNIGHTS 2009 AMNRL CHAMPIONS!

Knights Back to Form Defeating Raiders 32-4

June 27, 2009


UPDATED: Match photos added to the gallery!

The New York Knights after suffering a self-inflicted defeat to the Axemen last week were back in form last night as they defeated the much improved Northern Raiders by a score of 32-4.

While the Knights rested a few of their battle scarred players, the reserve bench had their work cut out for them against the gamely Raiders led by Raiders President and Captain Joel Venerables.

The first half saw the Knights get out of the blocks very quickly keeping the ball deep in the raiders half. However reminiscent of the prior weeks game, the Knights were unable to score in the red zone, coughing the ball up to the Raiders. "Our timing was off in the beginning of the game" said game captain Mike Bird. "We had some new guys in different positions and it took a while for us to get use to one another!" The see-saw battle continued until the Knights scored after a strong run by Cartwright.

Scoring shortly thereafter for the Knights were centers Chris Doyle and Tom Scheinzbach.

The second half started off much better for the Knights after fullback Dane scored after a 80 meter run to the corner. Despite some excellent defensive and offensive efforts by the Raiders it was pretty much lights out after a pair of trys by Knights second rower Xavier "Jaws" Lozinguez. Acting Coach Matt Astill was generally pleased with the outcome. “I thought that our forwards did a good job most of the game. I must also give credit where credit is due, Joel did a good job with his young side; the young Raiders never gave up!”

The night also served as an opportunity for three former Knights greats, Glen "Arthur" Treacher, Dave "Kiwi" Wickenham and Christopher Curtis Clinton a/k/a "Kamala" to take the field and show some of the younger players they way things “used to get done”! Glen showed the crowd that he was still the man with both a strong offensive run from a kick-off and his patented in your face defensive style! Kiwi, with his trademark white boots, showed some his old footwork as he side stepped three raiders defenders on his way to setting a try. Probably the best moment came when Kamala stepped on the field to thunderous applause from both sides. Kamala now well over 370lbs, showed the fans that he could still invoke fear in the hearts and minds of defenders as he took his first hit up! "It was just like how I remembered things. " said the giant prop after the game. "The jerseys are much tighter then I remember, but as we say in Trinidad, rugby is rugby!".

The Knights have a week off in celebration of the 4th of July weekend but will use the two weeks to prepare for their match against the newest team in the competition, the Boston 13's at home on Saturday July 11th.