Travelling to Ellingham & Ringwood, the Vikings faced a formidable opponent with one of the league’s best defensive records and just three losses all season. Despite the challenges, the visitors showed plenty of fight, securing a vital bonus point to bolster their survival hopes.
The game began with a setback for the Vikings, as flanker Luke Grigg was forced off with an ankle injury in the opening 90 seconds after a collision down the right-hand flank. This early disruption seemed to unsettle the team, and Ellingham & Ringwood took full advantage.
The hosts opened the scoring after 10 minutes, capitalising on a penalty that was kicked to the corner. Although the Vikings repelled the initial lineout maul, the home side powered over after several phases.
Seven minutes later, a miscue at a scrum inside the Vikings’ 22 allowed the hosts to turn the ball over and find space to double their lead.
Missed opportunities hurt the visitors, as two attacking lineouts in the Ellingham 22 went unclaimed. The hosts were clinical in contrast, scoring their third try after 23 minutes by swinging the ball wide following a turnover.
At 19-0 down, the Vikings needed inspiration—and fullback Gearoid Lee provided it. Gathering a loose ball inside his 22, Lee chipped ahead and regathered, sprinting clear before offloading to Sam Ferry, who was stopped just 10 meters out. Although the resulting attack ended with the ball going to ground, it sparked life into the Vikings’ play.
Shortly after, the Vikings capitalised on another foray into the Ellingham 22. James Mroch drove over from close range to get his side on the board.
Buoyed by the score, the visitors struck again before halftime. Following a penalty that was kicked to the corner, the forwards launched a series of powerful carries, with Corey Wallis eventually forcing his way over under the posts.
The halftime whistle blew with the game finely poised, the Vikings trailing but back in contention at 21-12.
The second half began with Ellingham & Ringwood on the front foot, but the Vikings’ defense held firm to prevent an early score. A penalty from Matt Lomas-Lloyd soon narrowed the gap further, offering hope for the visitors.
However, the hosts regained control with two quick tries, extending their lead and putting the pressure back on St Jacques. Further injuries forced the Vikings into reshuffles, with Calum Spinney entering the fray.
Despite the setbacks, the visitors refused to give up. A strong break from Mitchell Smith set up Marcus Whitfield to score out wide, bringing the Vikings back into the contest.
Luck was not on St Jacques’ side, though. A cruel bounce from a kick ahead evaded the chasing defenders and fell perfectly for the Ellingham fullback, who sparked a counterattack that led to a score in the corner.
The home side’s momentum continued, and despite being temporarily reduced to 13 men after two yellow cards, they exploited gaps in the Vikings’ depleted lineup to add further tries.
As the clock wound down, the Vikings showed tremendous determination to fight for a bonus point. A barnstorming run from Jacob Smith set the platform, and after a series of forward carries, Smith powered over under the posts in the 79th minute.
There was still time for one last play, and the Vikings took full advantage. A penalty from the restart allowed them to kick to the corner, and Jacob Smith completed his brace from the resulting maul, securing a crucial bonus point as the referee blew for full-time.
While the 52-32 defeat was disappointing, the heart and resilience shown by the Vikings impressed the coaching staff. They will look to build on this performance as they prepare for a crucial home fixture this weekend.
St Jacques Vikings host Eastleigh Pirates at Footes Lane this Saturday as part of a double-header with the Guernsey Raiders. Kick-off is at 12pm.