McSorley’s Match Report - Vikings

The Herbert Smith Freehills HKU Sandy Bay Vikings faced Kerry Hotel Kowloon 2 back at King’s Park, after a bitter defeat from Natixis HKFC Dragons four days prior. The Vikings expected a better outcome from this fixture as Kowloon were at the bottom of the table. With Ian King absent, Jacob Rumball took over for the captain duties. The team remained quite similar to their Tuesday night clash, with Stuart Black and James Rees back in Vikings colours at 9 and 6, respectively, Yuseff Murphy at lock and Luke Hayes on the wing. Brothers Hugo and Roddy Denness and Charles M make their Vikings debut from the bench.

Vikings got off to a slow start, with Kowloon running in 3 unconverted tries before the halftime whistle. Luke Hayes was substituted by veteran Karl Redmond at the 30 minute mark. Just before halftime, William Tope scores a critical try converted by Ed Nethersole to keep the Vikings in the game. Bringing the score to 15-7 to Kowloon at the half. Kowloon hits back hard after the break, running in a further 3 converted tries in 10 minutes. Substitutions were made with Tony Scott and Tony Falso for Finley Schmidt and Yuseff Murphy, respectively. With fresh legs on the field, Benjamin Davis was able to score and Ed Nethersole to convert. Carl Chambers scores straight off the bench, replacing Rory Cinnamond. Benjamin Davis hits back with a second try of the game. The final score 26-36 to Kowloon, the Vikings were again too late to make the comeback.

With 5 games remaining in the season, coach Thierry Barot is looking to push and keep his side into top form to edge them into play off consideration. A major point, is to start the game on a higher tempo and intensity rather than try to change the gap. The Vikings look ahead to league leaders Natixis HKFC Dragons at Happy Valley on 19 of January at 1:00pm.

Roberto