Warriors host
Connecticut Cup

July 27, 2007 – East Shore Park, New Haven Ct. – The New Haven Warriors were playing at home and keen to sew up a home game in the first round of AMNRL playoffs and sole possession of third place on the ladder. But they had a hearty task ahead of them in the reigning AMNRL Connecticut Wildcats, who had not lost since 2005. The Warriors came out a bit flat and true to from, the Wildcats made them pay with 3 scores to none and 16-0 lead before the Warriors even cracked the scoreboard.

From the outset, the Wildcats’ defense forced two dropped balls in the Warriors’ end that led to the first points. As the Warriors held their line, Curtis Cunz smashed through and ran head-long into and over Captain Siose Muliumu for a touch down. (Cats 6-0) Next up was Matt Pittman, scoring from the left side through two Warriors defenders and Wildcats began to roll. (Cats 10-0) From midfield on fourth tackle, Pittman broke the line, as he does, and put center Rich Portale away for the finish. (Cats 16-0) Finally, the Warriors got on the board when Miulumu bashed his way to pay dirt and a spot on the scoreboard. (Cats 16 – Warriors 6) To end the half, the Illusionist -Damien O’Malveney sent a long cut-out ball that settled nicely into a gap and the waiting arms of 20 year old fullback Steve Annunziato. (Cats 20 – Warriors 6).

As the lights came on in the second, so did the Warriors – outscoring the Wildcats 22-12. Damien O’Malveney made the Warriors pay twice to bring his season total to somewhere around one million, but the Warriors staged one of the most ferocious comebacks anyone can remember. It was Miulumu and Salesi Tongamoa who led the charge and it brought the Champs to the brink.

Miulumu ran in three tries and had several other long runs over and around the smaller Wildcats’ defenders. Yet the Warriors’ support was found wanting, as Ewan Robinson was the only other Warrior who was able to deliver, and that he did on a 60 meter individual effort. At the end of the day, the Wildcats’ were on a mission to remain unbeaten - “No retreat – no surrender” was the cry and when the dust settled, the Champs embraced victory, even without the likes of Danny Bull, Will Brazier, Captain/coach Tim Gee and Matt Pritchard. (Final Score Wildcats 32 – Warriors 30) Best on the day were Miulumu and Tongamoa for the Warriors and Rich Portale, Alex Willen, Curtis Cunz, Jim Kenny and Matt Pittman for the Wildcats.

Box score

Game Date: 7/27 /07
Game Time: 7 :30 pm
Game Venue: East Shore Park, New Haven – Ct.
Referee: Benedict Kelly
Full Time Score -  Connecticut Wildcats 32 – New Haven Warriors 30
Half Time:  Wildcats 20 – Warriors 6
Warriors’ Try Scorers:  Siosi Muliumu (4), Ewan Robinson
Warriors’ Goals:   Wards (4/5)
Wildcats’ Try Scorers:  Damien O'Malveney (2), Matt Pittman, Rich Portale, Steve Annunziato, Curtis Cunz
Wildcats’ Goals: Doug Cahill (3/6)

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