Tuggeranong Vikings V Gunghalin Eagles
Vodafone Rugby Shield
First Grade:
Vikings First Grade started the second half of its Vodafone Shield encounter against Gungahlin 10 points behind but went on to win 40-10.
It was 27 minutes into the first half when Gungahlin opened the scoring with a try. They scored another unconverted try with four minutes left in the second half sending Vikings to the break scoreless.
Winger Eddie McLaughlin didn’t waste time when the break was over; scoring a converted try that turned the tide for Vikings.
It was the first of five conversions from six tries for Brock Mcgarity.
Adrien Clements scored Vikings second, five minutes later giving the home side the lead.
From there Sione Talua scored, McLaughlin scored his second and Tim Talua scored.
Donovan Felice, backing up from the Colts win, contributed the last Vikings points with a try with eight minutes to go.
Coach Pat Langtry was pleased with Vikings finish to the preseason competition.
“Starting slowly and lacking field position we turned over too much possession early in the game.
“Gunghalin are a quality team and used the ball well in the wider channels when presented with such opportunities.
“Second half adjustments saw an intelligent and more streetwise approach to our ball control which saw sharp advancement of the ball into earned space and assisted in building pressure on well organised defence.
“Congratulations to Jack Muscat, Jake Cannon, Jake Knight, Michael Harkins, Lix Lealiifano and Sione Taula who were on debut, playing in the top grade with limited experience as they performed admirably at the same time the experience and leadership of the older heads was impressive."
Tim Talua was awarded three points Best and Fairest, captain Marty O’Brien was awarded two and prop Jack Muscat received one.
Adrien Clements was voted Players’ Player.
Second Grade:
Vikings Second Grade ended a close third round Vodaphone Shield match against Gungahlin in a draw.
The 17-all encounter saw Richard Joyce, Andrew Steele and Kyle Brooke each cross the try line for five points.
David Mailou received three points Best and Fairest, Donovan Felice two, and James Tupai one.
Andrew Talina was voted Players’ Player.
Third Grade:
Vikings Third Grade won the Vodaphone Shield third round match against Gungahlin by forfeit.
However to give the players a run a game proceeded with Toby O’Brien, Sam French and Sean Mahamba each scored tries and Leon Kessey converted one to bring the Vikings tally to 17 points.
Gungahlin was leading by two points when they forfeited.
Vikings Best and Fairest points went to Kim Reid (three), Leon Kessey (two), and one point each to James Rewi-Wetini.
Players’ Player was awarded to Matt Smith.
Colts:
A lean Vikings Colts side, trimmed of its usual starting players who were stepping up to cover first grade, were too strong for Gungahlin, winning 48-12.
Roydon Awa, Scott Irwin, Dave Haskew, Michael Davies, Shane Venter and Josh Hegarty each scored tries with Criag Wilkinson chiming in with two.
Nathan Lalliard kicked four conversions.
Wilkinson voted three points Best and Fairest as well as Players’ Player, While Peter Henry was awarded two points Best and Fairest and Roydon Awa one.
