ENGLISH BAGS FOUR IN NYC VICTORY
Tony Delany
2008-08-31
The Newcastle Knights have come from 22-0 down to claim a 36-26 victory over the Melbourne Storm in their historic Toyota Cup match at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
Played under an experimental 11-a-side format, Newcastle staged the most amazing comeback since the inception of the new NYC Competition, scoring five unanswered tries in the second half.
Newcastle's first points didn't come until the 36th minute when Kieran English took an intercept to put the home side on the board at 22-4 down.
Byron Fruean scored Newcastle's first try of the second half in just the 42nd minute after Marty Paulson broke through the Storm defence.
Kieran English then made it a hat-trick soon after when he crossed back to back to make it game on at 22-all.
Moments later Daniel Issac barged his way through three Storm defenders to give the home side their first lead of the match at 28-22.
Kieran English made it a four try personal haul when he was on the end of a Knights backline movement which opted to run the football on the last tackle, using quick hands out along the edge to give the final pass for English.
Daniel Issac secured his double late in the match when he stole some metres down the blind to seal victory for Newcastle 36-26.
The 11-a-side experiment boasted some entertaining moments although both coaches were reluctant to endorse the move, instead insisting that the format be further looked at.
Newcastle faces Brisbane next week in their final match of the season.