Match report: Hereford Stampede 6-39 Northants Knights
The Northants Knights started the SFC 2 North Division in style, beating previous associate rivals Hereford Stampede 39-6 on the opening weekend.
Knights' dominant defensive display saw them open the scoring in Q2 with a fantastic pick 6 by our home grown talent Rae Hamilton before Nick Rizzutto capped the first half off with a great pass to Lewis Moore who safely got his first TD of the season.
In the second half, Knights' offense increased the pressure on Hereford, with their offensive line putting the hard work in the trenches, allowing Nick to find Caius Magero for another passing TD. Extra point was good, making it 19-0.
Although Knights' D put on a dominant display throughout this game, they had a brief lapse in concentration which saw Hereford put six on the score board for their only score of the game.
Knights' offensive line continued winning the battle up front, allowing for new signing Josh Cooper to run the ball in for 25-6.
Rookie RB James Hudson then got himself on the scoresheet before new QB Randy threw deep for Caius to get his hands on the ball, show some slick footwork and see the ball safely into the end zone for a second time. Randy then found Josh Cooper to gain the extra two points and complete a fine day for the Knights.
A big shout out to Hereford Stampede who were a classy outfit throughout the game.
The result completed a perfect weekend for the Knights organisation after the U19 team went 2-0-0 in the U19 D2 Midlands.
MVP - @ Hereford Stampede
Defensive MVP: Rae Hamilton
Offensive MVP: Tyler Gordon
Special teams MVP: Lewis Moore
Northants Knights in 2022: 1-0-0
Head Coach’s view: Read Wayne Gumbs’ reaction to the victory
Next up
The focus is now on 17 April, when the Knights host Worcestershire Black Knights.