28 Jun Round 9 Wrap Up
Following the closure of all ACT Government sports grounds due to the weather, the Vikings had another full Club day at Viking Park, as we took on Royals Rugby Club. It was an excellent day for the Club against the old foe, as we took the majority of the chocolates in a dominant 5 from 6 display at home. 1st Grade once again successfully defended the Bob Hitchcock Shield, as well as the Allan ‘Wal’ Scollen Cup. Take a look at the match report for each Grade below.
Generation Red
Our Gen Red teams are on a Bye for the school holiday break. Find out more about our Gen Red Program here.
First Division 2nd Grade (4th Grade) v Royals
4th Grade set the tone for the day with a dominant display against Royals, out-muscling their opponents in the Forwards and outclassing them in the Backs. The Viking Forward pack were excellent at scrum-time, applying plenty of pressure at the set piece to provide a platform for the Backs to attack from. This gave the Vikings some great field position early, which Murphy Meafua capitalised on to score the Vikings first try. Josh Hitchins, Jayme Field and Matt Wafer provided plenty of strike power up front, as well as a nifty offload game that kept the Vikings tempo high. Although the Red Men struggled to convert some early opportunities into points, their defense was superb, which kept Royals at bay and made for some entertaining viewing. The continued dominance of the Forwards, combined with Murphy Meafua’s damaging running kept the Vikings on the front foot, and they went into the halftime break leading 24-0.
The Red Men continued where they left off, owning the momentum with strong carries, slick passing and plenty of pressure at the ruck. However, Royals were first on the board in the second half after some complacency allowed them to score a run-away try. This would be Royals last scoring opportunity. The Vikings worked their way back into the game and completely shut out their opponents – Josh Hitchins played like a man possessed, while Englishmen Matt Wafer had another best-on-ground performance. The flair of this 4th Grade side was on full-display, the Red Men piling on points off their brilliant offload game and solid set-piece. A Nic Marshall try off a quick tap gave the Vikings their half century, and ensured that they continue their undefeated run. 4th Grade sitting 7-0 on the ladder. Vikings 50 – 5 Royals.
3-2-1’s
3 Matt Wafer
2 Josh Hitchins
1 Murphy Meafua
Player’s Player – Matt Wafer
First Division 1st Grade (3rd Grade) v Royals
Another tough day for the Thirsty Thirds, coming off a big loss against the Owls the week prior. The Vikings were prepared, though, to pick things up and get going against an undefeated Royals team. The game started well with some good initial defense, but several missed tackles in crucial situations allowed Royals to march up the field and post early points. Ill-discipline, compounded by simple errors put the Vikings’ backs against the wall, Royals capitalising on every occasion. The Red Men had dug themselves into a deep hole, and looked like there was no way out of it.
A revving from Coach Gordon-Douglas at halftime spurred them into action, and the Vikings displayed plenty of poise by stringing some good phases together. Although the Vikings had the wood on their opponents at scrum time, they weren’t able to utilise this advantage across the pitch. There were some great individual performances, highlighted by recently returned Scrumhalf Jack Mann, but the Red Men lacked the cohesion to bring all their talent together and make their mark felt in this match. A soul searching day for the Thirsty Thirds, but they must take the effort in the second half into their next game against the Eagles. Vikings 0 – 56 Royals.
3-2-1’s
3 Nate Wells
2 Jack Mann
1 Eddie Waqa
Player’s Player – Jack Mann
Premier Division Colts v Royals
A season defining match for the Colts, who have had a tough string of games in the previous month. The Vikings put on a defensive clinic to the delight of the coaches, after letting some big bodies roll through them in their previous encounter with Royals. The Red Men muscled up across the field, denying their opponents any space or scoring opportunities which was highlighted by a lone Royals try. Although patchy with the ball at times, the Vikings outside backs continue to be potent when given space – or in Fullback Lachie Davis’ case, every time he gets the ball. Chris Caruana had an outstanding game, originally lining up at Outside Centre before an injury to Flyhalf Ryan Hoare forced him into the mid-field. Will Adam was also brilliant in his second game back from injury, the Centre coming off the bench and playing a vital role for the young Vikings side. The new combinations within the Vikings ranks had little effect on their play, everyone playing their role superbly to dominant the match. The Colts bench were dynamic upon their injection, too, creating a selection headache for Coach Henry in the coming weeks with the return of several injured players and plenty of boys putting their best foot forward. It’s great watching this Colts team play to their potential. Vikings 27 – 5 Royals.
3-2-1’s
3 Lachlan Davis
2 Chris Caruana
1 Will Adam
Player’s Player – Lachlan Davis
Premier Division 2nd Grade v Royals
The Dirty Twos leapfrogged the previous competition leaders from Weston Creek after an emphatic victory built on physicality, particularly by widow-maker Kieran Reilly, who was whacking anyone in a blue jersey for fun. The Vikings scored five tries to just one, with Tom Carney grabbing a rare front rowers hat trick, prompting club photographer Mike Daniel to declare the match a Carneyvale**. Kadin Te Nana grabbed a sneaky Reece Chin-esque try, outpacing his opponents from 30m out. Run-on debutant Jonty Godfrey also notched a try of his own after a lovely slip pass from Bailey Goymer-Peak, showing that he can score tries despite not being able to convert them.
A big effort from a team that had several players dropping back from 1st Grade and a late change at Flyhalf, following the unavailability of Isaac Thompson due to illness. A notable masterstroke of coaching selection on display, too, with Tom Watego having an excellent game from Inside Centre. The Dirty Twos now turn their focus to their top of the table clash with Gungahlin next Saturday, and maintain their spot at no. 1. Vikings 31 – 8 Royals.
**we apologies for this cringeworthy Dad joke, acknowledging that we may lose future 2nd Grade match report readers as a result.
3-2-1’s
3 Tom Carney
2 Tom Watego
1 Reece Chin
Player’s Player – Tom Carney
Premier Division Women v Royals
A much needed win for the ViQueens, who knock off an in-form Royals side that got the better of them in their previous encounter. It was the ViQueens newest additions that made a difference – Taylah Grady had a dominant game from Flanker, while Tabua Tuinakauvadra (Boo) had a debut to remember, scoring a brace of tries. Lauren Freeman continued her red-hot season form, with another solid match from Lock. The victory on Saturday was a just reward for the ViQueens, who have battled hard in the past several weeks to stay in the contest against some strong opponents. The girls sit 4th on the ladder, with six crucial games remaining in Season 2021. ViQueens 20 – 10 Royals.
3-2-1’s
3 Taylah Grady
2 Lauren Freeman
1 Tabua Tuinakauvadra
Player’s Player – N/A
Premier Division 1st Grade v Royals
With the game transferred from Phillip Oval to Viking Park, the Vikings were defending the Bob Hitchcock Shield as well as playing for the Wal Scollen Cup, an annual fixture between the two teams in memory of a great mate to both Clubs. The Red Men’s gritty determination and stoic defense saw them run out eventual winners in a bruising encounter to keep them on top of the table. The match started with the Red Men dominating field position, Jack Evenden controlling the play superbly with his boot. After some sustained attack, Kichie Navuso was able to slice through the Royals defense to score a brilliant try and put the Vikings on the board after 15 minutes of play. Royals were able to grab a try out wide to bridge the gap, but newspaper-headline-hero Michael Oakman-Hunt was able to barge his way over to take the score to 12 – 5 at the halftime break. Isn’t it great having Oakey back?
An early try to Royals in the second half had the teams playing out a nail-biting contest, Royals enjoying the majority of field position. A penalty goal to Jack Evenden stretched the lead to 15 -10, with plenty of time to play. Another penalty goal to Jack Evenden had the Vikings up by two scores; however, a penalty goal to Royals with little time remaining set up a grand-stand finish. The Red Men dug deep and kept their opposition at bay with some great defense, earning them the spoils of the afternoon. 1st Grade have two more games to defend the Bob Hitchcock Shield, and for the 3rd year in a row claim the Wal Scollen Cup. Thanks to the Scollen family for joining us at Viking Park and presenting the trophy. Vikings 18 – 13 Royals.
3-2-1’s
3 Michael Oakman-Hunt
2 Andrew Robinson
1 Jack Evenden
Player’s Player – Michael Oakman-Hunt
That’s a warp for Round 9. This weekend, every Grade is back at Viking Park, with the Men’s Grades playing Gungahlin and the ViQueens facing Goulburn. We will be celebrating our Charity Round in support of Lifeline Canberra, so make sure you get down to Viking Park and donate generously. 1st Grade will also play for the Roman Warcaba Cup, an annual fixture between Vikings and Gungahlin in memory of Wacca, who was a close friend of both Clubs. Stay tuned to our social media for more information on game times!
