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Vikings Trials v Central West

Vikings

Colts (Result Vikings 31 Central West 24):

With a young and inexperienced side it took time for the boys to settle against a fast starting Central West side. The Vikings side found themselves down 12 - 0 very early but showed courage to re group and work out how to play. With a little more commitment to the physical battle up front and some good ball movement the pace in the Vikings backline began to tell with new recruits Rodney Esekia and Sam Yakopo finding space. Over all a good outcome for this group with many more players still to return from rehab and work/summer sports commitments. Solid performances all round, class front rower Finlay Bealham shows promise as dose former Erindale back rowers Ash Carter and Jacob Visar.

Senior XV (Result Vikings 5 Central West 12):

This fixture provided the opportunity for many to put their hand up for consideration at 1st Grade level for the upcoming season. Against a very good Central West side the standard of play was right up there and under the new "law interpretations" pace of game was extreme for a February fixture. Physicality was the call of the day with solid defence from both sides early on, lines peed by Vikings backline trio of Dan Aualiitia, Emile Wessels and Brendan Taueki caused early turnovers. A lack of cohesion and combination on attack lead to some try scoring opportunities going missing. Central West took an early 12-0 lead through errors and missed tackles. From there the Vikings forwards stepped up a gear, producing a rolling maul try to close the gap to 12-5 at half-time. There the score stayed with several half chances from both sides being snuffed out by determined defence. Solid performances here by Mike Noble up front, Royden Awa and Josh Hitchens in the back row, while veteran Emile Wessels showed good early form in the backs along with Dan Aualiitia and fullback Tom Blencowe.

Overall:

Valuable trip, good physical rugby that required a degree of commitment to stay competitive. Both games were played in very good spirit, tough but always fair. The effort of the Vikings players in both games was pleasing to see so early in the season. No major injuries were received which instantly puts us a step ahead of previous seasons.