Vikings Sneak Home In Thirteen Try Thriller

In a thrilling thirteen try cliff-hanger at Eridge Park, Vikings have denied Bowral an opportunity to grab second spot on the ladder getting home narrowly with a 47 – 46 point victory. Vikings earned a bonus point by halftime going to the break with a 26 – 17 lead but the Blacks put on five second half tries to all but get the points. With Bowral scoring seven tries to six Cockatoo halfback Tommy Sawden’s goal kicking proved the difference on the day with the Number 9 kicking seven from nine for the day including a pivotal three straight second half penalty goals.

Bowral burst out of the blocks early with No.8 Tim Lewis getting the first of his three tries after four minutes of early Bowral dominance. With a conversion and penalty goal by fly half Donovan Du Randt, Bowral led 10 – 0 after twelve minutes of frantic attacking football from both sides.

Vikings improved their structure as the match continued to entertain the big southern highlands crowd with spirited attack from both sides being met by strong defence. Eventually after sustained pressure on the Blacks line Dane Nethery found his way through to get the first try for the Blueys. Shortly after big prop Josh Wigmore was dragged down cm’s short of the line but was able to release the ball to a fast following Cody Roman to dive over for the second Blueys try. Both tries were converted by Sawden and Vikings were in front 14 – 10.

From the restart Bowral took play deep into Viking territory and won a turnover resulting in a bustling run close to the line from Tim Lewis. Lewis crossed into the Vikings in goal and after checking with his Touch Judge Referee John Maughan awarded the busy No. 8 his second try, which was converted by Randt, for Bowral to go back in front 17 – 14 with ten to go to the break.