U13M - The Stingrays
Matches
Sun 05 Nov 2017
Gosport & Fareham RFC
U13M - The Stingrays
35
5
Farnborough RFC
Vikings still on Cup win pathway

Vikings still on Cup win pathway

Arthur Rabjohn6 Nov 2017 - 21:26
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Stamina and second half efforts secure significant win.

Another bright and rain-free day saw the Vikings take on the third-seeded Farnborough in the second round of the Hampshire Cup. The Vikings were all out nice and early (well, apart from the usual suspect…) and had a good hour's practice before the game. This was to stand them in good stead - although at times there was some sideline head-slapping by the coaches as their immaculate training drills failed to survive first contact.

The first half was a closely contested game with both sides running and tackling hard. Vikings were first on the score board with a move that started with George taking the quick tap and which saw the ball passed down the line to Tom who scored in the opposite corner. The next try was also to the Vikings and followed some hard work by the pack securing a ball which was passed to the opposite wing and then back again to allow Ciaran to set off on one of his gallops and score his first of the game.

Just as the Vikings were beginning to feel comfortable, Farnborough came back hard. The Vikings pack went off the boil and Farnborough kept running at the defence and testing the Vikings tackling. Despite some heroic efforts by some (Joe was noted putting in a great try saving tackle on their largest player), there was a reminder that poor tackling will be punished. After a sequence of 4 missed tackles by the Vikings, Farnborough went over for their first try of the game. For the later period of the first half Ciaran was off injured and this meant that the Vikings had to work hard to defend their lead against a Farnborough side that had sensed that they could draw level and more. Fortunately, the Viking spirit prevailed and, despite some excellent play by Farnborough, they were held out until the half-time whistle blew.

Half-time Score: Vikings 10, Farnborough 5.

Half-time saw the Vikings receiving a bit of a talking to by the coaches and the Vikings went out fired up again. Ciaran had returned from injury and put in a trademark run from his own 22 to score the Vikings third soon after kick off. There followed a period of excellent scrummaging by the Vikings, combined with some determined tackling, resulting in a try that was great to watch. Once again, hard work by the forwards, ball distributed quickly down the line to Tom who, when tackled, popped the ball to Ciaran who then ran and committed the last of the defenders and passed to Finn who ran in for a true teamwork try.

It was about this time that the team spirit of the visitors seemed to evaporate. It is worth remembering what happens to teams when their morale goes and they start playing as individuals. They stopped passing the ball and tried to burst through on their own. This was easily dealt with by the Vikings and the result was lost balls and penalties. In the latter part of the second half Ciaran was let loose again for his third. This was followed by a quick tap and go by George and earned him his first. Finally, an excellent tackle into touch by Jack resulting in the ball being handed to Vikings who got it out to Ciaran for his 4th and the last try of the game.

Final Score: Vikings 35, Farnborough 5.

Overall, an excellent effort against tough opposition and one which you all should feel proud of. Come on you Vikings!

Awards

Tackle of the Week: Jack
Viking of the Week: George
Player of the Week: Ciaran

Match details

Match date

Sun 05 Nov 2017

Kickoff

10:30

Meet time

09:30
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Main Club Sponsor - LBHS Mechanical and Electrical
MAIN CLUB SPONSOR - P A ROCHE
Club Sponsor - Precision Technical Engineering
Club Sponsor - Thermal Insulation Engineering Ltd
Club Sponsor - Trafalgar Property Consultancy
M/Y Main Shirt Sponsor - DEEP BLUE FINANCIAL Ltd
Main Club Sponsor - B&L FLOORING (UK) Ltd
M/Y Shirt Sponsor - QST Constrution Servies
M/Y Shirt Sponsor - S.I. Digital
Medals and Trophies - KATASTROPHIES