Vikings win in thrilling pre-season contest

In the only pre-season fixture for the black-and-yellows, Ray Smart’s men found themselves behind several times in the match, but in what became a real see-saw contest in the second half, they clinched the result through a superb team try that was finished off by Calum Spinney on the wing.

Whilst the result was very positive for the Vikings, the primary goal for this pre-season fixture was to ensure majority of the squad had some minutes against strong opposition before the season opener in two weeks’ time. Thirty-two players got that opportunity, which provided the coaching team with a much better understanding of the shape of the squad.

Eight new players made their debut for the club on Saturday, whilst two players in Tom Rihoy and Pierre de Garis returned to the Vikings fold after time away at university in the UK. They both produced strong performances, with de Garis scoring two of the Vikings five tries, whilst Rihoy provided a man-of-the-match showing with outstanding defensive work.

The visitors opened the scoring first after they reacted quickly to a turnover of possession, before Jamie Dunn got the Vikings back level from short range.

The English side restored their lead through two scores, leaving the Vikings something to find to get back into the match.

Whilst behind, the Vikings were very much in the match as both sides were competitively matched. Pierre de Garis stepped up to finish acrobatically following a period of sustained pressure, where both Tom Creed and Dan Brown had caused chaos in the opposition 22 to offer the scrum-half the platform to score.

Tom Creed was producing an inspired performance following the sad loss of his father earlier in the week. The second row always wears his heart on his sleeve, but he stepped up to lead from the front on Saturday. He combined once again with Dan Brown in the Beccehamians 22, finishing off a strong carry from 10m. out to touch down before poignantly pointing to the sky. That one was for Andy!

Helping to keep the Vikings in touch was the accurate boot of Tom Veillard, who converted all four of his conversions on Saturday afternoon. This accuracy would prove essential in the end result.

Whilst the lead changed hands once again to the visitors, de Garis scored his second try to pull the Vikings back into it. He finished from close range after a brilliant attacking move started by Taylor Quate bursting down the left wing.

Beccehamians scored another try, but the Vikings were not to be undone. Impressive new signing Ed Duerden made a big burst deep into the visitor’s half, before combining with Mitch Smith. He found the waiting Spinney who ran in unopposed to big applause from his teammates and supporters. Veillard added the crucial match winning conversion from wide left.

The visitors nearly had the last say with a penalty attempt from 30m. out, but the goal kick went wide and the match finished the way of the Vikings.

This was a hugely entertaining game, by two evenly matched teams. With Beccehamians playing a level above the Vikings, this points to hopefully another positive season for the Sarnian side as they seek to reach their full potential.