Round 1: Vikings vs Grafton Redmen
Round 1 of the MNCRU competition saw the Vikings Club head up the highway to take on the new team in the competition the Grafton Redmen.
Our First XV showed they will continue to be a major force in the First Grade competition with a 58 – 0 thumping of their Grafton rivals. The Viking boys played their usual power game up front steamrolling the Redmen then swinging it out wide for the backs to score. And score they did. Of the 10 Viking tries 7 were scored by wingers (3 Seb Pankiewicz, 2 Harry Sargent and another two to Harry’s replacement Zarn Dundevic). Fullback Rohan Toft and Kye Alpen at outside centre also crossed for 5 pointers while the lone forward tryscorer was hooker and coach Hamish McCormack who led from the front in a barnstorming display. He was ably supported by all in the pack including ex Wauchope hardman Aaron Lee and new front row partners Jeremy Segol and Welshman Tyla Murvai. An outstanding debut in Viking colours saw flanker Charlie Freeman deservedly pick up the Players Player award.
Grafton were unable to field sides in Reggies or 16’s so those two Viking teams will have their first match this week in Coffs when the Vikings Club take on Coffs Snappers in Coffs.
The Under 18’s fixture was a one sided affair with the strong Vikings outfit showing great skill in winning 53 – 0. This team will take some stopping this year and look a quality outfit.
The first match of the afternoon the Under 14’s fixture was clearly the match of the day. The young Viking team was short on numbers but not on heart and went toe to toe with the bigger and more experienced Grafton team. Both teams traded try for try and a nailbiting conclusion saw both sides finish with 26 points and deservedly shared the competition points. Tryscorers in the game were Jack McGrath (2), Lewis Tebbutt and Darwin Tink.
A long drive to Grafton and a decidedly longer time getting home but isn’t it great having rugby back! The major focus at training this week should be learning the Viking Victory Song. A few of our newies in Firsts struggled with the words. It will be sung many more times this season. You can find the Victory Song HERE>>