NY KNIGHTS 2009 AMNRL CHAMPIONS!

Bulls Edge out Knights in a Thriller 54-44
July 20, 2007

The Aston Bulls defeated the New York Knights 54 - 44 before a huge crowd at The Castle. The game was a see-saw match, with both teams holding the lead. Eventually it was the Bulls who were able to pull away and hold on for victory.

The game started with the Knights scoring first under the posts after fine lead up work by Adam Nable and Gareth Baxendale. Shortly thereafter, the Knights scored again and it looked like the Knights would perhaps set up a comfortable victory. However,the Bulls kicked back into gear and replied with a quick try that was converted by Bulls number 6 Marcus Vassilakopoulos. From then on both sets of forward packs flexed their muscles trying to gain the upper hand. Former Knights and Tomahawks center Greg Stelutti, Chris Craig and Ed Woodbridge found themselves in a battle of epic proportions all game long with the Knights forwards Bart Seemen, J.C. Rocha, and Ryan Mulligan.

The second half of the game reflected the attacking flair of both sides as Bulls playmakers Conway and Vassilakopoulos caused havoc for the Knights defense. New York however lost some of its attaching punch when Knights half back Adam Nable left the field. This coupled with some ill discipline by the Knights seemingly put them in a hole too deep to get out of! However, just as it looked like the Bulls may run away with the game, in typical Knights style, the Knights roared back with quick tries from Seemen, Baxendale, the exciting new "french flyer" Olivier Janzac and a seemless offload from JC Rocha to Jeremy "Jezza" Kosbob for the Knights last try. The Knights were with in 4 points of overtaking the Bulls when Bulls fullback Eric Hollingsworth wrapped it up for Aston with a try in the final seconds of the match.

Coach Guill Cieutat praised the fighting spirit of his side but lamented their ability to shoot themselves in the foot. “Sometimes winning comes down to being patient and disciplined” said Cieutat. Being up beat about the loss Cieutat however was quick to point out the good thing about the team’s performance “…we have great athleticism on our team, which is something that cannot be taught!; patience and discipline will come in time!”

The Knights travel to Jacksonville this weekend to face the Axemen on Saturday night at 6pm!