The Second Grade Final between Vikings and Camden was won by Camden 24-15.

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Vikings got off to a good start in the Colts’ Final, scoring the first three tries to go out to a 21-nil lead. These were scored by hooker Sam Wheatley, centre Harry Duggan and flanker David Capp. Engadine then scored a good try through their forwards to make the score 21-7 but elusive Viking hooker Sam Wheatley then notched his second try to give the Blues a 26-7 lead. Approaching the break, Engadine narrowed the gap again with a converted try for a half time score line of 26-14.

The second half saw Engadine gaining more momentum, leading to another five pointer and making the score 26-19. With a converted try needed to tie up the score, Engadine’s lack of discipline once again let them down when a length of the field try under the posts was disallowed for an infringement in the play leading up to it. Vikings were happy to hear the full time whistle. Engadine Rugby Club needs a bit of tidying up but has the potential for a good season in 2014.

Each side scored two tries, converting one each, but Camden kicked four penalties to Vikings one, thus accounting for the nine point difference.

Vikings opened the scoring with a penalty goal to scrum half phone number list Sunderland, but soon after allowed Camden in for a converted try and a 7-3 lead. Vikings then squandered several scoring opportunities, one through the forwards when a loose carry led to a turnover and once when full back Tom Mackey made a good line break and elected to cut back into centre field to look for support rather than back himself on an outside run. Tom usually picks the right option and may well have done so on this occasion, but when a ball carrier is faced with the choice of looking for support or backing himself, at this level of rugby I prefer the latter. In this case the attack was snuffed out and Camden went on to kick two penalties and score one more try for a half time lead of 18-3.

Vikings began the second half with the assistance of a good breeze, but failed to win the forward contest where it matters most, which is at the break down. Vikings’ set plays were working well but their intensity in cleaning out rucks and driving into mauls was overshadowed by that of their Camden adversaries. Two further penalties to Camden extended its lead to 24-3 at which point Vikings began to lift. Two late tries to Adam Page and Nick McCauley, one being converted put some respectability into the score line, but Camden deserved their win and a place in the Grand Final. Best forwards for Vikings were Captain and hooker Toby Dawson and props prop Junior Tupuola and Che Williamson. In the back line, scrum-half Steve Sunderland and five eighth Chris Maidment gave their outside colleagues every chance. Simon Longhurst as always put in a complete performance on the wing. Coaches Kel Giddey, Phil Valentine and Brett Diggins are to be congratulated on a good season.

In closing I must commend Shamrocks on their program for the day. I do have one complaint about a photograph on the last page however, which purports to show a Vikings Trainer illustrating a strengthening drill involving lifting bags of potatoes. This photograph actually dates back to the bad old days on “Knuckleson Park,” where, as the T-shirt indicates, Vikings were being taught what to expect when packing down in scrums against Shamrocks. I don’t know how we’re still all mates. That’s rugby I suppose.