HASTINGS Valley Vikings avenged their first round drubbing against Port Macquarie on Saturday with a strong 24-17 victory over the Pirates.
The Upper Mid North Coast rugby match was played in cold, blustery conditions and the Vikings put first points on the board with a penalty goal.
Sam McNeil put the Pirates into the lead in the 17th minute with a try that he converted himself to give the visiting team a 7-3 lead.
Corie Paoio extended the lead for the Pirates soon after. The try was not converted and the Pirates led 12-3.
The Vikings responded with two converted tries before the break to lead 17-12.
The second half of the match was a dour struggle marked by strong defence, which thwarted many attacking moves by both teams.
Scott Thompson’s try drew the scores level at 17-all after the McNeil conversion failed to find the goal posts.
The Vikings put the seal on the match with a converted try eight minutes from the end.
The Pirates did not recover and the score remained 24-17 at full time.
For the Vikings, Chris Johnson stood out and the Pirates were best served by Chris Geary, Sam McNeil and captain Tim Farnsworth.
RESULTS
First grade: Hastings Valley 24 d Port Macquarie 17, Kempsey 18 d Southern Cross University 13, Coffs Harbour bye.
Reserve grade: Port Macquarie 17 d Hastings Valley 8, Kempsey 29 d Southern Cross University 14, Bowraville 34 d Coffs Harbour 22.
Under-16: Port Macquarie 38 d Hastings Valley 17, Southern Cross 70 d Kempsey 5.
