The game was there for the taking by either side at that stage.

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The matches played between Vikings and Shamrocks last Sunday, which saw Vikings progress, were expected to be close. In Third Grade the spoils had been shared during the season with one win each. In Seconds, Shamrocks had beaten Vikings on both occasions they had played and probably went into the game with some confidence.

The Third Grade match saw Vikings get off to a good start. Attractive running rugby saw its young backline score four tries, converting three for a half time lead of 26-3. The first half tries were scored by Chris Nanasi, Darcy Crane who scored two and his brother Jack who scored one. Their game with their father Michael recently must have inspired them.

Unfortunately the match was marred by a serious injury to a phone number list player, who suffered a broken leg right on half time. The delay whilst an ambulance was called caused the second half to be cut short. Scoring in the second half was limited to one try to each side, Vikings try being scored by Chris Nanasi once again to give him a double and producing a full time score of 33-8 and eliminating Shamrocks from the Competition.

Vikings also eliminated Shamrocks from the Finals Series in Second Grade with a 19-17 victory, but not without some heart stopping moments. Once again Vikings got off to a good start with two quick converted tries, one to Andrew McKay and another to Chris Nanasi, who was backing up for another game. Shamrocks then kicked a penalty to make the score 14-3 at half time. The Second half saw Shamrocks come back as they frequently do. They scored the first try of the second half through their forwards who have developed a very effective “pick and drive,” converting it to trail by only 14-10 well into the second half.

Vikings enigmatic centre Chris Nanasi then gave Vikings some breathing space, when after some consideration, he decided to chase a kick, resulting in his second try and a lead of 19-10 to Vikings. Their relief was short lived however with Shamrocks again reverting to their trusty “pick and drive,” through the forwards to close the gap to 19-17 with five minutes to go. The side that could maintain its composure was likely to come away with the points. Fortunately for Vikings neither side did, and their 19-17 lead was maintained until to their relief the referee blue full time. Every game of rugby is a learning experience. From this game Vikings will have learned how to close out a game and hopefully to take three points when offered in front of the posts rather than a scrum. That’s what comes I suppose of having the hooker as Captain. They love scrums. He did play well however.