The reserve grade Knights lost 42-18 to Mounties at Hunter Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Mounties opened the scoring ten minutes in, Luke Bateman running off the hip of Glen Buttriss to dive beneath the uprights.
Four minutes later Mounties doubled their score, Sisa Waqa collecting the ball on the right touchline to leap over. Phelps converted on both counts, making the score 12-0.
The Knights dug their heels in and were rewarded with a try in the 23rd minute, Will Pearsall dummying a pass to wrestle his way over the line. Bryce Donovan added the extras, but seven minutes from half time Eddie Aiono find enough space on the left wing to power over the line.
Two minutes into the second half Mounties picked up a penalty goal ten metres out for an infringement in the ruck. Phelps converted, and 13 minutes later five-eighth Lachlan Croker spun out of a tackle to further extend his side’s lead.
With the score at 26-6 Mounties still didn’t let up, Waqa grabbing his second thanks to some sloppy defence five minutes later. Phelps converted, and Mounties were over again soon after via Jarrad Kennedy.
The Knights finally bounced back in the 66th minute, Pearsall playing James Elias through on a repeat set. Donovan converted and minutes later the Knights looked good for another try when Jaelen Feeney made a 30 metre break.
His attempted pass to Danny Kerr was intercepted, but soon after the little five-eighth got his try when he scooted over from dummy-half.
With less than two minutes left on the clock Mounties rounded out the scoring when Kato Ottio leapt high above Donovan to grab a bomb. Phelps converted, the final score 42-18.
