Vikings Seconds got through 16-14 in a “nail-biter,” against Shoalhaven.
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 5:24 am
The forwards led by Mark Foster, Nathan Heaton and Andrew Wilson laid a solid platform for their younger back line in which Chris Nanasi, Jared Constable and Tom Campbell all played well. Vikings scored four tries in Third Grade, the first to veteran prop Andrew Stanton, the next two to their red headed speedster Tom Campbell and the final one to mobile forward Mitch Lozenkovski. Next week’s match up against Avondale will be interesting.
Shoalies had a good tight five who tested Vikings forward strength to the limit. They had the better of the first twenty minutes when they were camped on the Vikings line for most of the time. They were met with tenacious defence for a lengthy period, which eventually cracked to give Shoalhaven a 5-nil lead, mid-way through the First half. In one of phone number list rare incursions into Shoalhaven territory, Vikings grabbed the next five pointer which went to the ever dangerous Chris Nanasi, to even the score at 5 apiece. A penalty conceded by Vikings at the break-down gave Shoalhaven an 8-5 lead but Vikings then countered with the most exciting try of the game just prior to half-time to regain the lead at 10-8. This try showed the importance of the “chase,” in a “kick-chase.” A line break by Nanasi found winger Ray Abla in support who opted for a kick-chase. The return kick from Shoalhaven was across field, and landed just inside touch. Centre Andrew McKay who had also been chasing, got to the ball and flicked it infield for Abla who had continued the chase from the other wing, to take the pass and score. A lot of ground covered but well worth the effort.
The second half saw Shoalhaven begin strongly, kicking consecutive penalties to regain the lead at 14-10. Vikings responded with the next two penalties being kicked by them and allowing them to once again nose in front 16-14. Approaching full time the momentum was all with Shoalhaven. They were camped in Vikings half with the possibility of a penalty to win the game looming large. Fortunately for Vikings their discipline held and for the second time in as many weeks they survived for a narrow win. The fat lady is yet to sing. Instrumental in their victory were young back rowers Dane Nethery who is relishing his move from the centres to flanker and number 8 Tom Claridge. Provided their forwards can supply them with enough quality ball the backs are all capable of doing the job. Full back Tom Mackey who reads a game better than most is an important element in the back line performance.
Shoalies had a good tight five who tested Vikings forward strength to the limit. They had the better of the first twenty minutes when they were camped on the Vikings line for most of the time. They were met with tenacious defence for a lengthy period, which eventually cracked to give Shoalhaven a 5-nil lead, mid-way through the First half. In one of phone number list rare incursions into Shoalhaven territory, Vikings grabbed the next five pointer which went to the ever dangerous Chris Nanasi, to even the score at 5 apiece. A penalty conceded by Vikings at the break-down gave Shoalhaven an 8-5 lead but Vikings then countered with the most exciting try of the game just prior to half-time to regain the lead at 10-8. This try showed the importance of the “chase,” in a “kick-chase.” A line break by Nanasi found winger Ray Abla in support who opted for a kick-chase. The return kick from Shoalhaven was across field, and landed just inside touch. Centre Andrew McKay who had also been chasing, got to the ball and flicked it infield for Abla who had continued the chase from the other wing, to take the pass and score. A lot of ground covered but well worth the effort.
The second half saw Shoalhaven begin strongly, kicking consecutive penalties to regain the lead at 14-10. Vikings responded with the next two penalties being kicked by them and allowing them to once again nose in front 16-14. Approaching full time the momentum was all with Shoalhaven. They were camped in Vikings half with the possibility of a penalty to win the game looming large. Fortunately for Vikings their discipline held and for the second time in as many weeks they survived for a narrow win. The fat lady is yet to sing. Instrumental in their victory were young back rowers Dane Nethery who is relishing his move from the centres to flanker and number 8 Tom Claridge. Provided their forwards can supply them with enough quality ball the backs are all capable of doing the job. Full back Tom Mackey who reads a game better than most is an important element in the back line performance.