Playoffs R1 - Knights slay the mighty DC

Source: www.nyknightsrlfc.com
The New York Knights have progressed to the second week of the play offs with a gutsy 22 - 18 win over the Washington DC Slayers. Playing in hot and humid conditions at the East River Park, spectators were treated to a spectacular game, with the lead changing several times before the Knights came out on top.

New York started the game in rousing fashion with bruising defense from the Knights especially from big Rocco Forgione. However, the Slayers proved how dangerous they can be and scored the first try, showing the crowd they were going to be in for a treat. Craig Smith replied with a try for the Knights, starting an explosion of brilliant attacking play by the Knights. The try to Razvan Drossu was one the best ever scored by the Knights, going through countless sets of hands before the flying Romanian touched down in the corner.

The biggest cheer of the day was reserved for rookie CJ Gelardo who celebrated his 21st birthday with his first ever try, bringing scenes of jubilation from the Knights players and supporters. Adding to this a try to Rob Balachandran it looked like the Knights would run away with the game.

Washington DC managed to regroup and shock New York with two quick tries to bring them right back into the game. Tomahawks Martin O'Donaghue, Ric Dortone and Dave Faimanifo started to make inroads into the Knights defense. Once again New York lacked the killer punch to put away their opponent, making silly mistakes thus having to work extra hard for victory.

A try to veteran Craig Wells sealed the match. Wells had not played for over a month and was a steadying influence in the Knights backline. MVP for the game was Rocco Forgione who was devastating in attack and defense and is improving rapidly in every game. Veterans Kazoo Seto and Hayden "TLG" James also made successful comebacks. All the Knights played well and thoroughly deserved the win.

Club President Rob Balachandran was very pleased with the result. "Everyone came to play today and we worked extremely well as a team at most times. We still have the occasional lapses in concentration which we will address but there is no doubt we are improving. I am proud of both our old guys and the rookies today."

New York now travel to Connecticut to take on their local rivals to see who will play in the Grand Final. The last time the Knights took on the Cats it was a fast and bruising encounter and no doubt fur will fly again in this much anticipated play off game.

Congratulations must also go to the D.C Slayers staff and their players with an impressive record in their inaugural season. The advent of a new team in the nations capital is a sign of the progress that the AMNRL continues to expand and promote Rugby League to new markets and players alike. With already a base of outstanding players captained by Martin O'Donoghue, DC should do well in next season if they continue to recruit over the winter.

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