Grimsby Rugby 59 - 27 Sileby Vikings

Sileby began the reverse league fixtures ‘up north’ at Grimsby. The match report from the first fixture can be found here. In summary, having gifted the opposition an early leader Sileby fought back in a pulsating encounter only to be pipped at the post. Only 8 of the starting 15 that day would be available to the Vikings this time, with a further 5 of those playing in a different position. That being said the squad that embarked upon the coach trip to the North were hungry to set the record straight from earlier in the campaign and to at least take something away from this match that would bolster the club’s league position.

The Vikings had a strong start to the game. Powerful defence and composed attack allowed the away side to establish possession and territory. This would lead to the first try of the game, but one that was against the run of play. A charge down from a scrum allowed for an opposition centre to scamper away and score unmolested, an unfortunate start for the team looking to secure their first win in several games. However Sileby’s excellent start would not go unrewarded. Consistent pressure from the set piece, an element that the Vikings had struggled with in the corresponding home fixture, would eventually lead to Second Row Jamie Robson dotting down from short range. Early signs were that the game could follow the similar high scoring trajectory of the early season encounter.

Unfortunately for the away side the Grimsby blitz of the first game was also replicated. The next 4/5 scores belonged to the home side, of which for many if not most Sileby were the architects of their own downfall through some week defending. Weak tackles and gaps were expertly exploited by Grimby’s powerful ball carriers, the away side’s defensive line suffering from a lack of experience in playing together. Whereas the Vikings often have often had a strong scramble defence in previous encounters back rower James Lewis struggled in his home for the day at Full Back, poor positioning and flat footed tackling only ensuring the opposition breaks often resulted in points on the board (though there was an outstanding clearing kick that should leave none in doubt as to the prowess of the player’s kicking game).

Despite their defensive frailties Sileby were still able to exert considerable pressure in attack. Only opposition infringements, whether collapsing a maul or straying offside, could keep the Vikings at bay; but this was only a temporary measure. Indeed it was an infringement that would lead to the next score. Typical quick thinking by Scrum Half Jamie Muggo and a piercing line by Number 8 Ash Rideout breached the opposition line for the score. At half time the home side dominated the score board, but Sileby were half way to securing what could be a vital point come season end.

The second half yielded a similar pattern to this first. The second 40 minutes was permeated throughout by a number of Grimsby break away tries, whether through isolating defenders or breaking weak tackles. The home-side were averaging 36 points at home per game before the visit of the Leicestershire outfit, including scoring 95 points against Birstall a few weeks before. Considering the lack of game time together, especially in the backline, such a score fest could be considered unsurprising. However there is much that the away side can learn and implement moving forward into the new year, especially around bringing down powerful ball carriers.

From an attacking point of view Sileby’s second half successes largely originated from platforms set similar to those of the first half. With the lineout largely unchallenged the Vikings driving maul game, especially in the second half, was excellent. Sileby’s third try was scored after a series of driving mauls and penalties allowed the away side to establish field position. From there it a score was inevitable, with Captain and Prop Gareth Love touching down. The next try was a carbon copy, but this time of much greater significance. Mark Walker’s try meant that the Vikings secured the four try bonus, something that could be imperative come season end. The game ended on a further high note as a cross field kick from Fly Half Rich Rees was collected by back row Paddy O'Callaghan to score.

Sileby can take a lot of heart from the performance against Grimsby. Despite trying circumstances (get it?) the Leicestershire side were not only able to pull together a squad but also compete with a side that have been a stalwart of the league for many years. Much credit must go to the senior players and coaches whom have worked tirelessly over the course of the first half of the season not only to put the mechanisms in place to ensure that the Vikings continues to function but also that it can be competitive in the club’s highest level of competition.

Christmas offers the club a chance to recuperate, both physically and mentally. With a number of players due back from injury (and other circumstances) in the new year. The next fixture is at home to Kesteven. Strong home form could prove crucial for Sileby’s endeavours to avoid relegation. To that end crowd support could make the difference, so hoping to see a large crowd down throughout the rest of the season.

Try Scorers:

Jamie Robson
Ash Rideout
Gareth Love
Mark Walker
Patrick O'Callaghan

Conversion:

Rich Rees