Knights ready to hit the Rhode

This win has put the Knights on two competition points, equal to the Wildcats. This victory from the Knights was somewhat of an upset and it becomes even more impressive when you consider that the Knights have only retained 30 per cent of their 2013 squad. Even though the Knights are in a rebuilding phase, the win last weekend gives their young squad some confidence, knowing that they can be competitive in their division.

Head Coach Gui Cieutat was impressed with the victory, pin-pointing the team’s defence as a key area of improvement from week one.

“The match against Boston was the first Rugby League game for a bunch of our boys and our defensive line went silent very early in the game,” Cieutat said.

This proved to be a much needed wake up call for the team, conceding just 16 points against Connecticut who piled on 44 points the week prior.

Jovanny Perez had a much stronger showing in round two out on the left fringe after a slow start in round one.

“He’s a promising talent and his learning curve has accelerated in the past few weeks,” Cieutat said.

The more experienced players also stood up for the team, with club captain CJ Cortalano picking up two tries and the vice-captain Abe Cohen was very busy in the middle of the field. Steven Johnson was also praised by coach Cieutat as he has worked hard on his conditioning saying, “Johnson is part of the new generation of forwards who have been mentored by our older guys.”

This week’s match against the Rhode Island Rebellion is another tough ask for the Knights, who are expecting to be underdogs in this match as well. The Rebellion scored 88 points against the Delaware Black Foxes last weekend and have won two from two. The Knight’s defense will need to be as good as last week, if not better in order to give themselves a chance. Despite the defense significantly improving from week one, the offensive structure of the team also needs work.

Cieutat stated, “our new guys have a lot to learn as the moment so we’re trying to keep things pretty basic until we can apply our brand of footy later on.”

This week’s match against the Rebellion will take place at 2pm this Saturday at Randall’s Island. The home advantage is a boost for the team who are only expected to make one change from last week’s team. Prop Xavier Lozinguez will be tested for an injury before the match.

Round 2 – Connecticut Wildcats vs. New York Knights
Cardinal Stadium
Connecticut Wildcats 16
New York Knights 34: Tries – Cortalano (2), McCorry, O’Flaherty, Gearin, Rusinski, Butler. Goals – Gearin (3)