Vikings vs Wests - Minor Semi Final
Lions mauled as Vikings progress
Andrew Johnston
The Tuggeranong Vikings have moved to within one win of the John I Dent Cup Grand final, disposing of the Western District Lions 32-3 at Viking Park on Sunday.
The Vikings raced out to a 29-3 lead at half-time and then held firm in a dour second half as Wests, with its season on the line, proved unable to breach the home sides defence.
After being held tryless for the first time this year, Lions coach Craig Robberds was blunt in his assessment of the match.
"Full credit to Tuggeranong, they dominated our lineout, dominated at scrum time and dominated the breakdown," Robberds said.
"They won the set piece so any ball we did have we were very flatfooted and they got up and shut us down."
Tuggeranong got the scoring underway in the 5th minute through fullback Tim Curran who finished off after a strong run from Andrew Goodall from deep inside his own half.
Goodall looked on track for a repeat effort just minutes later when he again found himself in space before being stopped in his tracks by a high shot that saw the burly winger forced from the field.
Goodall's absence did little to halt Vikings momentum as they ran in three more tries to take a near insurmountable 26-point lead into the break.
Wests needed to score first in the second-half to stay in the match but an assured kicking display from Brumbies fly-half Christian Lealiifano kept the Lions pinned in their own territory throughout the half.
Lealiifano's efforts, combined with a disciplined Tuggeranong defensive performance, dashed any hopes of an unlikely Wests comeback.
Vikings captain Martyn O'Brien said he was happy with where his side was at heading into next weeks do or die clash with Royals.
"We really just picked up the defence level throughout the game and people were happy to put in and work hard for each other so that was very good to see at this time of the year," O'Brien said.
However having lost to minor premiers Royals in both previous encounters this season, O'Brien believes Vikings will head into next weeks clash as underdogs.
"It'll be a big ask, they're a big strong team, mobile and they get around the park well so obviously we'll have to be at the top of our game, we'll get one chance and we'll have to make the best of it."
VIKINGS 1ST XV (T Curran, M O'Brien, E Stubbs, S Irwin; C Lealiifano 3/4 Conv, 1/1 Pen) def WESTS (L Baigent 1/2 Pen)
VIKINGS COLTS 21 DEF ROYALS 15
VIKINGS 3RD XV 18 DEF UNI-NORTHS 13
VIKINGS 4TH XV 25 DEF ROYALS 3
VIQUEENS 12 LOST UNI-NORTHS 29
Congratulations
Beau Mokotupu has taken out the prestigious McDougall Award for the best player in the ACT Premier Division for Season 2009.
Beau has had a fantastic year, for the club. He played his 100th 1st XV game against Wests in Round 9 where he picked up the players players award for the second consectutive week and continued this form for the back half of the John I Dent Cup where he gained points from the referees in everygames there after.
Beau also won the Transact Shield pre-season player of the tournament. A man of not to many words, Beau has left all his talking on the field this year and will continue his form going into the finals.
Colby Faingaa has been awarded the ACT U/20's player of the year for season 2009. This has capped of a great year for a kid who is 1 year out of school. Colby has represented the ACT Seniors, ACT Brumbies Academy and toured with the ACT Brumbies to France where he was voted as best new comer.
Jake Knight has taken out the Highest Try Scorer in the John I Dent competition. Jake scored 13 tries, and has shown great courage and determination through-out the year. He has turned into a little cult hero at Viking Park, and is looking for extra tries during the Finals Series.
The other awards that the club collected during the night, where 3rd Grade Minor Premiership and the Transact Shield Preseason Winners.
This Weekends Games
All games this weekend are at Viking Park. Entry is $8, but if your a member of the Red Army they will refund your money at the bunker.