On a sunny but cold day at Myton the newly reformed U14s/U15s Vikings took on Myton Warriors in the first league fixture of the season.
Vikings were on top early, owing in part to some great defence by our two props Rhyan Hooley and Sam Smith who put a stop on any Myton attack down the middle. Then after a fine break by Brandon Brewer led to some Vikings pressure, a smart kick by Zack led to Leo Wright finishing brilliantly in the corner and Brandon converting from the touchline to make the score 6-0 to Vikings.
After the bright start errors crept in and the lead was only preserved by some great edge defence by Steve Carter, Alfie Watt and Henley Thistleton.
Eventually the pressure told, though, and Myton ran in three tries, with Vikings becoming visibly frustrated with what they felt were questionable refereeing decisions the score at half-time was 12-4 Myton.
The second half was more even with some great work by our back row of Jake Halliwell and Max Wrigglesworth both working tirelessly in the middle to keep the game on an even keel, as well as some good kick chases by Tom Medforth and Aiden Jumps.
The game was back and forth and everybody made great contributions, with some great defence by Archie Hopper and Billy Rosser. Myton scored a try but Vikings replied soon after with some fine work by Luke McFarlane who put winger Jake Thompson in for a try in the corner. The scores were now 16-10 with about 15 minutes left, and what followed was a scrappy ending to the game with Myton playing for time and seemingly wanting to provoke Vikings at any opportunity without punishment by the official.
Eventually Myton scored again to make it 20-10 and the game ended in a scrappy finish.
It was an opening day defeat but there were some positives, and one was certainly the man of the match Austin Jackson who made two or three try-saving tackles, dealt with any kicks in fine fashion, and his running game through the middle really got us out of trouble on many occasions.
