By MATT NICHOLLS
HASTINGS Valley Vikings consolodated second spot on the Upper Mid North Coast rugby union table with a 27-10 win against Southern Cross University on Saturday.
Playing on their home ground for the first time this season, the Vikings were in control for most of the game.
Coach Andrew Kable said his side was still improving and would be better prepared for their next match against the Port Macquarie Pirates.
“There’s no doubt the Pirates are the benchmark of the competition, but we feel we were under prepared the first time we played them,” he said.
“I’m not saying we’ll win, but we’ll be much more competitive.”
In round two, the Pirates hammered Hastings Valley 55-6 at Stuart Park.
The Vikings will have a bye this Saturday before the Oxley Oval clash on May 18.
“It will be a good test to see how much we’ve improved,” Kable said.
The Vikings’ inexperienced backline will be relied upon for much of the drive against the Pirates and showed encouraging signs on Saturday.
“I thought Jesse Gleeson at fullback was one of our best,” Kable said.
“He has a rugby league background and is still learning, but he was good on Saturday.”
Despite more numbers across the board, the visiting Marlins never looked like beating Hastings Valley.
“I thought we were in control for most of the game,” Kable said.
Co-coach Adam McCormack was again missing in action.
He was part of the NSW Country Cockatoos side that drew 24-all with QLD Country in Townsville.
Kable said it unlikely McCormack would return play for the Vikings in the cross-town clash against the Pirates.
“While he is still playing well for NSW Country, he’ll be missing for us for another few weeks,” he said.
Meanwhile, in the Upper Mid North Coast reserve grade, the Pirates enjoyed a narrow win against Bowraville.
At Stuart Park, the home team defeated the Goannas 15-10.
The Pirates’ senior XV enjoyed a bye.
