Vikings View Rd 7
Vikings prevail in mud wrestle
Andrew Johnston
The Tuggeranong Vikings overcame both their opponents and the miserable conditions as they held on to defeat the Gungahlin Eagles 17-13 in a dour contest at Nicholls on Saturday.
With freezing temperatures and gusty winds preventing either side from playing expansive rugby, prop Uelinotoni Tu'ulakitau proved the unlikely hero for the visitors, as he crossed for a try in each half to help secure an important win.
The loss means the Eagles are now in serious danger of dropping out of finals contention.
While the home side may have been desperate for a win to keep their season alive, it was Vikings who took the early lead after Tu'ulakitau crashed over from close range.
Tuggeranong's second try came in more spectacular fashion as teenage fullback Brendan Taueki celebrated his recent selection in the ACT Schoolboys side with a brilliant 70 metre run that saw the Erindale College student beat a number of would-be defenders to cross out wide.
Gungahlin received a boost when Vikings flanker Colby Faingaa was shown a yellow card soon after following repeated indiscretions at the breakdown but they proved unable to capitalise on their advantage.
A lone penalty goal to Eagles halfback Anthony Dawes all that troubled the scorers for the remainder of the half as Vikings went into the break up 10-3.
Another penalty to Dawes soon after the break was quickly cancelled out by Tu'ulakitau's second try of the afternoon, the front row forward simply unstoppable close to the line.
With Gungahlin content to kick the ball away at every opportunity, Tuggeranong looked on course for victory before a try to Eagles winger and former sprint star Kurt Mulcahy narrowed the gap to just four points with 15 minutes to play.
The 20-year-old Mulcahy showed the express pace that saw him twice representAustraliaat the World Junior Athletics Championships as he latched onto a well weighted kick from outside-centre Matthew Hawke to score in the corner.
The sideline conversion from Dawes capped off a perfect afternoon with the boot for the lively halfback as the home fans tried to lift their side to an improbable victory in the final minutes.
But it wasn't to be, Vikings doing just enough to secure a hard fought victory.
The Eagles now face a must win match against Uni-Norths at ANU next week while Vikings face their toughest test of the season against the undefeated Royals.
Vikings 1st XV 17 (U Tu'ulakitau 2, B Taueki;E Wessells1/1 Conv) defEagles 13 (K Mulcahy; A Dawes 2/2 Pen, 1/1 Conv) at Nicholls on Saturday.
PLAYERS PLAYER - MARTY O'BRIEN
Vikings 2nd XV 17 (R.Slater, M.Masters, T.Blencowe; JD Stephenson 1G) drew Eagles 17
PLAYERS PLAYER - TRENT HOSCHER
Vikings Colts 10 (D Aualiitia;C Wilkinson 1G) lost Eagles 11
PLAYERS PLAYER - JP AUALIITIA
Vikings 3rd XV 33 (G. Lukins 2, A. Dickson, J. Gibson, T.O'Brien; A.Dickson 1G, A.Steele 3G) def Eagles 0
PLAYERS PLAYER - GRANT LUKINS
Vikings 4th XV 8 (D.Mailau; B.Kessey 1PG) lost Eagles 22
PLAYERS PLAYER - DAVE MAILAU
Vikings Brown Snakes 15 (B. Crockford, H. Hayes, T. Maly) lost Goulbourn 31
PLAYERS PLAYER - HEATH HAYES
2009 LEADING TRYSCORER
7 - ANDREW DICKSON
7 - ANDREW GOODALL
7 - JAKE KNIGHT
6 - GRANT LUKINS
4 - BRENDON TAUEKI
4 - CRAIG WILKINSON
4 - KRISTY GITEAU
4 - SIMON FRENCH
4 - THOMAS BLENCOWE
4 - TIM CURRAN
4 - TOBY O'BRIEN
HAGARS LUNCH
1 August 2009 - Erindale Auditorium
A reunion of former Vikings players and supporters comprising of a Sportsman's Lunch followed by an afternoon in the marquee at the Red Army to watch the 1st Grade clash between Vikings and Uni Norths.
Tickets $50.00
Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Auditorium staff on
6121 2131 or at the RED ARMY at home games.
The event is planned for each year and the reunion lunch will double as a fundraiser for a selected charity.
This year the selected charity is the 'Beyond Blue Foundation'- independent not for profit an organisation working to increase awareness of depression, anxiety and related disorders throughout Australia