by Andrew Johnston

The presence of former Wallabies flyer Clyde Rathbone was not enough to prevent a disappointing Uni-Norths Owls going down 53-12 to Tuggeranong Vikings at ANU on Saturday.

The win means Vikings have now scored an impressive 216 points in the opening four rounds of the John I Dent Cup and reaffirms their status as competition heavyweights following a disappointing 2008 campaign.

While the home side had the better of both possession and field position throughout the first-half, it was Vikings who were making the most of their limited chances early as they opened up a 12-nil lead.

With Uni-Norths proving unable to turn regulation opportunities into points, their first try eventually came in unlikely fashion.

From deep inside his own half, Owls flyer Frank Igliewski showed tremendous urgency to regather what had appeared to be an aimless free kick before out-sprinting the cover defence on his way to the line.

Vikings soon hit back through lively halfback Beau Mokotupu but ill-discipline began to prove costly for the visitors.

Referee Brett Bowden finally lost patience as he showed flanker Colby Faingaa a yellow card following repeated indiscretions.

The send off had an immediate impact as Owls winger Tom Zouch crossed to close the gap to five in the dying minutes of the half.

Just as it looked as though the sides would go into the break separated by a single try, Vikings created one last opportunity and it didn't go to waste, Mokotupu crossing for his second right on half-time.

It was a disastrous end to an otherwise strong first 40 minutes from the Students who would have been disappointed to trail at the break despite dominating for much of the period.

Any thoughts of a second-half comeback were quickly dashed as tries to Jeremy Te Huia and Tim Curran in the 43rd and 48th minutes put the match out of reach for the Owls.

With the balance of possession turning in favour of Vikings late in the match there was little Uni-Norths could do to stem the flow of points, three more tries to the visitors ensuring a comfortable victory.

In other results, Royals downed Gungahlin 44-16 and Wests accounted for Easts 57-28.

Next week sees Uni-Norths travel to Campese Field to take on Queanbeyan, Wests will meet competition leaders Royals and Easts will be looking for their first win of the year against Gungahlin.

Vikings 1st XV 53 (John Ulugia, Julian Salvi 2, Beau Mokotupu 2, Jeremy Te Huia, Jake Knight, James Tupai, Tim Curran; Jeremy Te Huia 3G, Emile Wessels 1G) def Uni -Norths 12

Players Player - John Ulugia

Vikings 2nd XV 20 (Scott Irwin, JD Stephenson, Andrew Goodall;JD Stephenson 1G 1PG) def Uni -Norths 15

Players Player - Emile Wessels

Vikings Colts 10 (Thomas Blencowe, Craig Wilkinson) lost Uni Norths 24

Players Player - Josh Hitchens

Vikings 3rd XV 36 (Grant Lukins, Micheal Masters, Andrew Dickson 2, Toby O'Brien; Andrew Dickson 4G 1PG) def Uni-Norths 24

Players Player - Anthony Brew

Vikings 4th XV 7 (Brett Kessey, Leon Kessey 1G) lost Uni-Norths 29

Players Player - Ulia Vaana

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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 atthe 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

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2009 Try Scorers

Here is a list of your leading tryscorers for season 2009. The tries have only include the season proper and not the pre-season "practice" tries.

7 - Jake Knight

6 - Tim Curran

6 - Andrew Goodall

5 - Kristy Giteau

4 - Simon French

4 - Craig Wilkinson

4 - Andrew Dickson

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2009 Merchandise

All merchandise for season 2009 is available at all home games through the Red Army or during office hours at the administration block through myself, Chris Slack. The price lists are as follows

100% Wool Pull Over - Dark Blue $100.00

2009 Tuggeranong Vikings Hoodie $50.00

2009 Tuggeranong Vikings Polo Shirt $35.00

Tuggeranong Viking Red Polar Fleece $35.00

Tuggeranong Viking Hat $15.00

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VIKINGS

V

QUEANBEYAN

Saturday, 20 June 2009

All players and supporters are invited back to the Zoo after the main game to induct the latest players into the

100CLUB

Speeches begin at 6pm with players celebrating this milestone introduced and welcomed appropriately at 6.15pm.

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