Vikings first team defeat to Shoreham at home

Shoreham were unbeaten at home all season, but the Vikings put a great first half showing which in the end was the difference as they came away victorious.

Heading into the game with none of their exceptionally talented Colts contingent, and the loss of the influential Connor Sullivan in training last week they fielded a reworked side, including deploying flanker Alfie Penney on the wing. But as such is the growing depth of the Vikings squad, it was far from obvious as the reworked side adapted well and produced a composed performance.

Star of the match was once again fullback Taylor Quate, who scored his second hat-trick in two weeks. The powerful speedster caused havoc for the Shoreham defence and looked a threat whenever he got is his hands on the ball.

The Vikings have improved as the season has gone on, and the slow starts they we're becoming used at the start of the season have not been as much of an issue since the new year. And on Saturday they started exactly how they would have wanted too. From the kick off the ball was gathered on the left hand side of the pitch, following some quick handling the ball found its was way to prop Alan Myers, who rampaged forward on a near 40m run before offloading to James Regnard just inside the Shoreham 22. Regnard was subsequently dragged down short of the line, but captain Leon Gardner picked a great support line and gather the offload to dive over the whitewash. Alec Bailey slotted the conversion to extend the lead.

Shoreham are one of the strongest teams in the division for good reason, and we’re soon starting to get ball in hand and attack the Vikings line utilising their big forward pack. They also sought to bring their backs into the game and spread the ball wide at times, which was stretching the Vikings defence.

The home side got themselves on the scoreboard next, after a St Jacques infringement at the breakdown the referee awarded a fairly simple kick in front of the posts, which Shoreham’s young winger slotted between the posts.

On a wet pitch it was once again tough going underfoot, but both forward packs were handling the set piece well, and it a was a good battle in that area. The referee who mostly had a good game controlled the scrum well which enabled the game to flow.

Shoreham scored their first try to reduce the score following a kick to the corner. They claimed the lineout, and from the ensuing maul touched down in the corner. The conversion was missed.

The Vikings struck back quickly, with Taylor Quate touching down for his first try. The try came following a move where the ball found its way to Quate with space out wide, and the fullback raced clear of the defenders to touch down. Bailey again added the extras.

Shoreham were then reduced to 14 men for 10 minutes after they illegally tripped up Taylor Quate.

Vikings Tom Rihoy was having a particularly strong game, making metres with nearly every carry. The young flanker is deceptively small compared to most opposition forwards, but is incredibly powerful and effective. His defensive work was again key to the Vikings defence, where he stopped big runners dead in their tracks time and again, and was a menace over the ball at the breakdown. Post match he was unsurprisingly awarded man of the match for his tremendous display.

The Vikings were now taking control of the game towards the end of the first half, they had long periods of possession and had it not been for stern defence from the home side several more tries would have undoubtably been scored.

Taylor Quate however was again to show his quality soon after. From a set move ran off a Vikings scrum, the ball was passed to fly-half Alec Bailey who neatly popped the ball to Centre Callum Gladstone and then regathered the ball before passing to Quate who played his part in the move brilliantly to slice through the defence and score. Bailey again added the extras.

Going into halftime the Vikings had a good lead and would of been hopeful of extending in the second period, and they did just that. It was Taylor Quate again, this time from open play. After several phases of play the ball found its way to him from Alec Bailey, where he collected a short pass, and after a quick change of direction scored his third try. Bailey was unable to add the conversion on this occasion though.

Shoreham were not giving up on this game and scored a converted try out wide shortly afterwards. The score came following multiple phases of play which eventually led to a shortage of Vikings defenders and the home side dived over.

Shoreham kept the pressure on, that coupled with a drop off from Vikings defensive pressure allowed them to have significant possession throughout much of the second half. With 10 minutes remaining they converted that possession into points as they scored an unconverted try from close range, to bring the game to within six points.

However shortly afterwards the Vikings mounted a sustained attack and came away with a penalty to the left in the Shoreham 22. Alec Bailey cooly slotted the penalty kick straight between the uprights.

James Regnard was then sent to the sin bin late on after persistent infringements.

Shoreham sought to find the bonus point that they vitally needed, but improved defence in the last five minutes insured the Vikings came away with a nine point victory, and importantly denied Shoreham the bonus point.

The Vikings now know they must beat Holbrook on the 14th April, and also hope other results go in their favour if they are to secure the title. Focus in the short term now switches to the Inter-Insular in two weeks time.

Murdoch
Gardner (c)
Myers
J Smith
M Smith
Lock
Rihoy
Regnard
Greenberg
Bailey
Penney
Gladstone
Cahill
Wickham
Quate

Mroch
Ashplant
De Freitas