Winning start for the Vikings

The black and yellows were far from their best, and struggled to get their attack functioning anywhere near as well as they managed for much of last season. However they defended brilliantly, with Newick having significant possession for a large majority of the game but being unable to score, even when on the Vikings line on multiple occasions.

The match was called off nearly 20 minutes early following a nasty head injury to a Newick player, just as the Vikings were starting to click together. Both teams agreed to call the game early due to being unable to move the player, however the Vikings will be a little disappointed not to have been able to continue.

After the match Ray Smart was very much aware that work needs to be done, but was happy with his sides’ application.

“Today’s performance was not where it needed to be, we allowed Newick to frustrate us at the breakdown, which provided them too many opportunities to turn over the ball. We will work on that as it stifled our attack, however before the injury it looked like we were just starting to get going which was encouraging. Newick had a large majority of the possession, and the fact we kept them out even when they were knocking on our door is excellent.”

Going into the match a tough physical battle was expected, with Newick notorious for their hardened forward pack. They did not disappoint, as from the first kickoff they were applying huge pressure to the Vikings deep in their half. Big runners time after time crashed into the solid defence of the Vikings who were repelling the hosts with well organised defence. Newick went close after five minutes, picking and driving from the base of the ruck on multiple occasions from five metres out. But after several phases the Vikings turned over the ball and new flyhalf Matt Lomas, who impressed on debut, kicked clear to relieve the pressure.

In attack early on the Vikings just couldn’t keep hold of the ball. They struggled to get into their shape and were held up often in the tackle by Newick, losing possession of the ball. However after a while they began to settle, and Lomas was distributing the ball well to his forwards outside of him and to his fellow backs colleagues. Cashel Cahill unlocked the Newick defence with an excellent running line at outside centre, however was hauled down and and the resulting pass was knocked on.

Vikings lost James Mroch after 25 minutes to an injury, which brought about the introduction of a Robin Le Cocq. He immediately made an impact, with some hugh carries deep into the heart of the Newick defence, however continued poor rucking and management of the breakdown continued to cost the Vikings dearly.

Newick were often kicking possession back at the Vikings, and returning fullback Tom Chammings showed some good glimpses on his first game back, with excellent pace and handling. Both wingers Dave Horscraft and Cam Le Prevost saw opportunities with the ball, and made good progress down their respective wings. Le Prevost had an excellent scoring opportunity to on the right wing, but he cut back inside rather than using the space on the outside and was tackled in the midfield. Something Ray Smart will be keen to get instilled in his players is the killer instinct, particularly from his wingers. Le Prevost showed a lot of promise though, and whilst a work in progress he could well have a big future.

Newick had the opportunity to take the lead, but missed a simple kick from in front of the posts.

Vikings took the lead through a try from Nico Ashplant. After several phases in the Newick 22, the forward picked up from the base of the ruck and dived over the line unopposed. Leon Collenette added the conversion for which proved to be the final score.

The Vikings threatened on a few more occasions and looked likely to score again, before a Newick player got his head in the wrong place and was knocked unconscious. After a long period of treatment it was agreed it was best not to move the player until the ambulance arrived, and the match was called.

Whilst it was far from the best performance from the Vikings, it was encouraging that they demonstrated such spirited defence, and good individual performances, with many players yet to come back in.

1. D Anderson
2. J Mroch
3. H Birley
4. M Smith
5. J Smith
6. B Webb
7. T Rihoy
8. N Ashplant
9. C Ahne
10. M Lomas
11. D Horscraft
12. L Collenette
13. C Cahill
14. C Le Prevost
15. T Chammings

16. C Croft
17. R Le Cocq
18. J Le Noury