Jarrow, more famous for it's own Crusaders, saw off Catterick Crusaders in last nights encounter at Monkton Stadium.
Despite being sore, bruised and tired from the gruelling encounter 5 days before against Gateshead Storm, Jarrow were able to field a strong starting 13 and welcomed back 2 "Old Boys", Ben Wilcox and Callum Lee, to the fold.
Josh Milnes was asked to step into the half back position in the absence of Andy Gray who unfortunately broke his wrist in the battle against Storm at the weekend. Josh gelled well with the other 2 play makers and the Vikings had an impressive first period, going into the half time break 48 points to 4 to the good.
A number of changes at the interval, some to give players a rest or a run out and some due to injury, seemed to effect the flow of the game and the Vikings started to make uncharacteristic mistakes and lack of discipline, resulting in conceding territory and eventually leaking points. The sin binning of Jamie Frazer, playing for the first time against his old club, showed the frustration and disrupted the flow of the home side. A torrid 20 minutes ensued and injuries to David Norman, Gary Bates and Andy Morris, meant a number of players were being asked to play out of position, once again effecting the shape and structure. However there was still signs of order in the ranks and Graham Lupton safely steered the side to a comfortable 66 - 10 win, despite the margin of victory the Vikings were disappointed with the performance as they felt they had under performed and that is not taking anything away from the determined effort of the visitors!
The re-match later in the season promises to be a tasty encounter and is expected to be a lot closer run affair.
Jarrow have a free weekend to allow the tiered and sore bodies to heal before taking on Sunderland on the 15th June at Monkton Stadium, 2.30 kick off.