Played in perfect autumn conditions, the game was a showcase of competitive, high-tempo rugby between two evenly matched sides who both played with ambition and intent.

The Vikings delivered their most complete performance of the season so far — showing greater cohesion, structure, and confidence in attack — but were ultimately undone by a combination of Millbrook’s clinical finishing and a cruel final twist in stoppage time.

Millbrook opened the scoring through an early penalty, capitalising on a loose passage of play to edge ahead 3–0. The Vikings quickly settled, however, and their forwards began to take control of the physical exchanges.

Relentless pressure near the Millbrook line forced repeated infringements from the home side, and the referee had little hesitation in awarding a penalty try, handing the visitors the lead their dominance deserved.

The hosts responded with a well-worked score midway through the first half, but the Vikings hit back immediately. A series of powerful carries from the pack opened up the defence, allowing James Burger to crash over from close range after another strong drive.

Matt Lomas-Lloyd added the extras, and the Vikings took a narrow advantage into halftime — one they had fully earned through control of possession and field position.

The second half began at a blistering pace. Millbrook struck first with a sweeping attack out wide, but the Vikings again answered back through Lucas Barker, making his first appearance of the season after injury.

The experienced scrum-half showed quick thinking around the ruck, darting through a gap to score a sharp solo try. Lomas-Lloyd converted, restoring the visitors’ lead and sparking belief among the travelling players and supporters.

That belief grew as the Vikings’ forwards continued to impose themselves. The scrum and maul were dominant throughout, giving the side a reliable platform that had been missing in recent weeks.

From one such platform, Angus MacCallum, who was outstanding all afternoon and later named Player of the Match, powered over for another try, underlining the Vikings’ control up front.

Millbrook, however, showed their resilience and struck back with two quick tries to edge in front again. The momentum shifted, but the Vikings refused to back down.

With minutes remaining, another sustained assault on the line saw Jacob Smith force his way over. The conversion was narrowly wide, leaving the Vikings a point behind — before Millbrook landed a penalty to make it 33–37, meaning the visitors now needed a final try to win it.

When pressing for that winning score in the dying moments, the Vikings were hit with a cruel twist — an interception was run back under the posts, sealing the result and snatching away both victory and a losing bonus point. The Vikings did, however, take home a deserved try bonus.

Despite the disappointment, this was a performance full of positives. The forwards were superb throughout, dominating the scrum and maul and providing a strong attacking base.

Burger was immense across a full 80 minutes, while MacCallum once again stood out with his tireless work rate and impact in contact. The team’s platform and physical presence were the best they’ve been all season — a reflection of the effort and attention to detail shown in recent weeks.

Millbrook’s greater clinical edge ultimately proved the difference, but the Vikings are clearly trending in the right direction. Convert more of the opportunities they are creating, and the results will follow.

The Vikings return home this weekend to face Portsmouth RFC at Footes Lane on Saturday, where they’ll look to build on another strong performance and turn progress into points in front of their home crowd.