NEW York City Knights coach Richard Agar has lauded the part played by powerhouse prop Yusuf Sozi and experienced hooker Lee Jackson in last night's shock National League Two win over New Zealand 'A'.

The NL2 representative team pulled off a 27-8 victory at Cougar Park, Keighley, with Sozi, a recent Knights signing from Gateshead, and former Great Britain star Jackson, who is contracted at Huntington Stadium for another year, both starting the game.

It was the Kiwis' first defeat of their five-match tour following their 24-24 draw with Cumbria on Sunday, and it brought a controversial war of words between the respective coaches.

But Agar concentrated more on the displays of the two Knights stars in the representative side.

He said: "The National League pack were giving a lot away in size and strength and it got a bit rough and tough, but Yusuf stood up to be counted and put in a very solid performance.

"A very pleasing aspect was Lee Jackson's performance. He got about the field like a spring chicken and looked very lively all night."

He added: "Having spoken to Lee, I know he was a bit disappointed with his form at times last year and he wants to have a big season.

"Yusuf is looking long-term to get back into Super League and feels this is a step in the right direction. He will be working hard on his fitness to achieve that."

As regards the Knights' fitness drive, they have boosted their backroom staff with the recruitment of conditioner Colin Sanctuary.

The former Heworth and New Earswick amateur, who is a lecturer in physical education and sports studies at York St John College, has also worked as a conditioner for Durham County Cricket Club and Hartlepool United. He attended last night's match to check on the performance of the two Knights.

Agar said: "He worked a bit with York last year and will be taking on a more prominent role this year. He will have a big part to play in our pre-season training."

He added: "I was surprised by the win. The Kiwi side had changed from when they played Cumbria, who probably on paper looked a better side than NL2, but the NL side were very organised and committed."

After the game, NL2 coach Peter Roe, the former Swinton boss, said the Kiwis lacked fitness and discipline and warned they face humiliation against Great Britain when they meet at Headingley next Wednesday. But New Zealand coach Gerard Stokes countered by blaming poor refereeing for an 18-7 penalty count and labelled his opponents "boring".

Swinton stand-off Chris Hough goaled seven out of 11 kicks, eight of them penalties, and scored one of his side's three tries to finish with 18 points.

Roe said: "I think Great Britain will be looking forward to the game. With all due respect, New Zealand have a lot to do. They didn't look fit... and discipline really was their downfall."

The Kiwis were three times reduced to 12 men, with prop George Tuakura twice sin-binned and loose-forward Jonny Limmer also showed the yellow card.

"The penalty count was a major contributory factor," said Stokes. "It is funny how it was all one way. Our discipline did contribute but that was because of the frustration the players were feeling out there.

"It was only three tries to two and the scoreline blew out off the boot. I thought it was rugby union the way they were taking shots at goal. That was a bit disappointing, especially when the crowd came to see a good game of rugby league."

Updated: 11:04 Thursday, October 23, 2003