Warriors Through To AMNRL Semi-Final

2009-08-17

Play-off rugby league came to New Haven this past weekend as the New Haven Warriors faced off against the Philadelphia Fight in hot and humid conditions. The match was filled with drama and excitement, with the Warriors coming out as eventual winners 54-14.

Much was on the line for these two sides as they faced off for the very first time in either clubs history, the winner going forward to meet the New York Knights in the semi final and the losing team season coming to a end.

The Warriors got off to a flying start, completing sets and having a try disallowed in the corner to winger Ed Reed. This would all come to a halt as Warriors prop Matt Callan was sent off for biting.

It wouldn’t be long for the Fight to take advantage of having an extra man, shifting the ball wide and creating an overlap then scoring in the corner.

This would be the first and last time that the Fight would have the lead, as the Warriors stamped their authority on the game with some outstanding tries. Second rower Keiki Misipeka scoring two tries in the first half, his second being a 100 meter effort from the kick-off beating a number of defenders through sheer strength, speed and determination.

Further tries to Anthony Sunia, Jeremy Kosbob and Derrick Roma enabled the New Haven side to take a commanding 30-4 lead at halftime.

The second half was also filled with drama and controversy as lock Ewan Robinson from the Warriors was sent from the field for a high tackle. Video footage shows Robinson not making direct contact with the player’s head.

Playing with two men down and a number of players carrying injuries the home side dug deep and defended their line with passion as constant raids from the Fight were defused.

Even more to the Warriors credit they managed to score points. Roma got his double after hooker Brian Schacht ran from dummy half and then lobbed the ball wide. Second rower Kieth Nelson touched down after outrunning the opposition as he received a pass from fullback Sunia who once again broke the line.

This was then backed up by Misipeka who scored his third once again showing his strength, shrugging off defenders before racing down the touch line and stiff arming the Fight cover defense.

The final nail in the coffin for the Fight was a short side play by Siose Muliumu who threw a cut out pass to Reed who sprinted 40 meters to touch down.

Final Score – New Haven Warriors 54, Philadelphia Fight 14

Warriors coach Roy Leoni said after the game he had been proud of the way his player had rallied together.

“The boys showed a lot of heart out there today. Most sides will throw in the towel having two men sent off, but not these boys.”

New Haven Warriors – 54 (Keiki Misipeka 3, Anthony Sunia 2, Derrick Roma 2, Keith Nelson, Ed Reed and Jeremy Kosbob tries, Roy Leoni 7 conversions)

Philadelphia Fight – 14

The Warriors this week travel to New York to take on the Knights in the semi-final of the AMNRL at Pier 40.

A link to photos from the game can be found here