Bandar Seri Begawan - Local rugby team 'Knights' are currently training intensively at their home ground to vie for a spot into the final of the Brunei Rugby League that will kick start on March 20.

Last year, the KB Pythons defeated Knights by two tries to one in the final of the same tournament but this year the outcome maybe different.

Currently training under coach Johannes Hickery and assistant coach Toma Unoi, the Knights are in pretty good shape and looking like one of the favourites team to beat in the league.

Hickery who took over the team from Ben since last year said: "We are aiming for a spot into the final of the Brunei Rugby, League."

On the team's preparation, he said: "We've been training together for years and the core of the team is strong and in good team's spirit. The fitness level is good but could be better."

The coach also said: "If we do the basic well, I think we should be able to beat any team. We are currently on basic training in three areas namely recycle the ball, basic ball handling skills and taking the ball into contact. The training is going well."

"If we can perform well from the start, we would have a good chance of heading into the final," he added.

Speaking on the teams, he said: "Five teams including us will be taking part, the defending champion - KB Pythons, UBD Sharks, Bandar Black, Yachties, Police and us. In my opinion, the KB Pythons will still pose the stiffest competition for us in the tournament but we will try our best."

The Knights which comprised players as young as 16 to 24 are considered as one of the youngest team in the league. The players came from a mixture of locals and foreign players.

The Knight team's credential has proven to be a long list of success especially they won the previous PSK (National Sports Festival) in rugby and the team is also the champion of the Plate Cup in the Labuan Rugby Beach Carnival in 2008.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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