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Gotham Knights RFC Win 2004 East Coast Rugby Invitational

Also: Atlanta Bucks RFC Take Open Division Title

NEW YORK - Over 300 rugby players from four states, the District of Columbia, and Canada converged on Randall's Island to take part in the 2004 East Coast Rugby Invitational sponsored by Champagne Piper Heidsieck and hosted by New York's own Gotham Knights Rugby Football Club.  Former NFL player and Esera Tuaolo was on hand to serve as tournament marshal and present the winning trophies.

In the Premier Division, the Gotham Knights and the Washington Renegades took their 2-0 round robin records into the final match against each other where the winning team would be take home the title.  The two teams have been friendly rivals since their initial match in April 2002 which the Renegades won 31-0.  With the Knights powering through the scrums and the Renegades dominating the lineouts, the decisive match was intense with both teams within reach of scoring but unable to put the ball beyond the try line.  Just before halftime, the Renegades attempted a penalty kick but were not able to convert the opportunity as the field position wasn't in their favor.

Heading into the second half, both teams made determined drives and a late, prolonged push on the part of the Renegades led by backs Lucas Moinester and Rob Starling along with 8-man Frank Quick but were unable to penetrate the Knights’ stingy defense.  Gotham's Dennis Keya took advantage of a prime kicking opportunity and booted the ball to the Renegades' five meter line putting the Knights deep into the Renegades red zone.  After successive scrums in front of the Renegades goal posts, a penalty in the Knights' favor allowed their captain, Luke Martland, to convert a penalty kick with less than two minutes to go in the match to seal the Knights' victory and the 2004 Premier Division title. 

In the Open Division final, the Atlanta Bucks and the Washington Renegades swept their respective round-robin matches and faced each other in the finals.  In a match that mirrored the intensity and play of the Knights-Renegades final, the two teams battled each other with determination and desire to pull out the win.  Washington took the early 3-0 lead courtesy of a series of good runs by hooker Chris Brunn followed by a converted penalty kick from Roberto Santaigo.  But the lone try scored in the second half by the Bucks was more than enough for them to pull out the 5-3 win and give them the Open Division title.  The Bucks only allowed one try to be scored against them in their three matches. 

This year's invitational was the largest in the three year history of the event with ten sides represented, demonstrating the growing strength, depth, and prominence of gay rugby teams.  In attendance were teams from Atlanta, Boston, and Toronto, while Philadelphia and Washington, DC, both fielded two teams.  The Gotham Knights, the host team, fielded three squads.  Players from as far away as San Diego and London, England, flew to New York in order to take part in this event.

The 2005 East Coast Rugby Invitational is tentatively scheduled for the weekend of November 11, 2005, to be played in New York City.