Vikings View Rd 1

Royals too strong for Vikings

Andrew Johnston

Canberra Royals have begun their John I Dent Cup campaign in the best possible fashion, defeating Tuggeranong Vikings 32-27 in a classic encounter at Viking Park on Saturday.

Royals did not take their first lead until the 79th minute when fullback Henry Stowers crossed for the match winner.

Royals coach Frank Condi was happy with the way his team fought its way to victory after trailing for much of the match in spite of some dubious refereeing decisions.

"It was good that the boys dug in and got back into it, I think the breakdown was a major issue today, I don't think it was adjudicated very well, but the boys did well to deal with it", Condi said.

The match began at a frenetic pace with Vikings opening up a 10-nil lead before two quick tries to Royals saw them level the scores inside the first 15 minutes.

Just as the game seemed to be settling down, Vikings exploded into action scoring two tries in as many minutes.

The second was an early contender for try of the season after livewire winger Jake Knight made the Royals defence look foolish, showing exceptional footwork in a wonderful individual effort.

Vikings looked set to take a comfortable lead into half-time before a defensive lapse after the siren saw Jason Swain cross to leave Royals trailing by just three at the break.

The second half saw Royals continue to play an attractive style of rugby, running the ball at any opportunity. Meanwhile a dreadful kicking display from Vikings resulted in the home side being trapped inside their own half.

Royals took advantage and a penalty goal to five-eighth Craig McMahon levelled the scores at 20-20.

Just as Royals looked to be getting on top, Vikings outside-centre Ed Stubbs broke away to score under the posts against the run of play after a Beau Mokotupu intercept.

But Royals hit straight back, some excellent work from Darryl Wihapi putting winger Junior Lafaele into space and across the line.

McMahon making no mistake with the sideline conversion as Royals once again tied up the scores with just over 10 minutes to play.

Stowers try with less than a minute to play secured both a well deserved victory and ensured Royals took home the Allan Wal Scollen cup for the first time in six years.

Vikings fullback Tim Curran was understandably disappointed after letting the lead slip

Obviously never happy with a loss like that, I think Royals really came out and stuck it to us the whole game and we didn't really execute the way we wanted to", Curran said.

Vikings will need to regroup before their next match against West's at Jamison while Royals take on Uni-North's at Phillip.

Vikings 1^st XV 27(Jake Knight, Ed Stubbs, Tim Curran 2; Jeremy Te Huia 1G 1 PG, Emile Wessels 1G) Royals 32

PLAYERS PLAYER - TIM CURRAN

Vikings 2^nd XV 26(Peter Henry, Andrew Talaina, Isikeli Ratulevu, Thomas Blencowe; John Stephenson 3G) Royals 29

PLAYERS PLAYER - PETER HENRY

Vikings Colts 17(Kieran Adams, JP Aualiitia, Aaron McKenzie; Anthony Crowe 1G) Royals 17

PLAYERS PLAYER - KALEB RECH

Vikings 3^rd XV 24(Grant Lukins, Simon French 2, Duran Solofuti; Andrew Steele 2G) Royals 12

PLAYERS PLAYER - ANDREW STEELE

Vikings 4^th XV 13(Toby O'Brien, Ulia Vaana; Brett Kessey 1PG) Royals 12

PLAYERS PLAYER - DURAN SOLOFUTI

Vikings 1^st Div 0 - Goulbourn 24

PLAYERS PLAYER - MATT JENNINGS

ViQueens 20(Kim Wilson 2, Nikki Ayers, Kristy Giteau) Royals 19

PLAYERS PLAYER - KIM WILSON

Club Captains Report

The Vikings have appointed 3 co-club captains for season 2009 to assist Club captain, Chris Slack in his duties. They are Dale Pulli, Michael Henry and Dean Cotterill. The Club felt that using Co-Captains to open up the communications options was a better idea and one that would be more player friendly through out the grades.

All the players have a very vast range of experience and all bring different ideas and personalities to their leadership roles.

Up-Coming Events

30.05.09 - Aftermatch v East's/Super 14 Final in the Auditorium

20.06.09 - Aftermatch v Queanbeyan

26.06.09 - Sponsors Lunch

18.07.09 - Aftermatch v West's

01.08.09 - Aftermatch v Uni-Norths/Hagars Lunch/back to Vikings Day

22.08.09 - Aftermatch v Eagles

Red Shield Appeal is on again

Annually the Vikings faithful put their hand up to help the community by spending a couple hours on a Sunday morning helping out the Salvos with the Red Shield Appeal door knock.

Last Year Vikings players and supporters raised $2392.50. To improve this we need more volunteers. We hope you are motivated by the terrific effort that the K for Kids riders have made in raising money for the Starlight Foundation and that you carry on this good work by getting behind the Salvos.

So we encourage as many Vikings as possible to come along as it is a great way for the Vikings to be recognised as putting something back into the Community, however it is also an opportunity for you to win a $100 Sportsman's Warehouse voucher. The person who collects the most money wins the prize.

The day is coordinated by Dave Paull (Licensed Club President) and his wife Jo from their house at:

Date: Sunday, 24 May 2009

Time: 9.30am

31 Cochrane Cres

Theodore.

You will also get to enjoy the great spread of food and drinks that Jo Paull puts on for all collectors.

Register your interest with Chris Slack or call Dave Paull directly on 0416 134 366 and let him know if you are available.

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