Inverleith 24th Aug 2025
Report - Rod Mclaughlin

North Edinburgh Vikings U18 41 - Alnwick U18 38

Vikings U18s had an encouraging turnout of 31 players for the first game of the season which saw the game divided into 3 periods of 20 minutes to allow every Viking player some game time.

Alnwick kicked off the game, Vikings failing to gather and immediately placing themselves under pressure on their own tryline. Repeated close range attacks by Alnwick saw them power over from a 5m lineout after 4 minutes, the number 10 adding the conversion. While Vikings tried to respond, their passes weren’t sticking and fierce Alnwick tackling kept the home side pinned back. When Alnwick gained possession they increased their lead to 14 points via a strong midfield run by their outside centre, again converted.

It was only near the end of the first period that Vikings got their backs flowing, Matthew Wild finishing superbly after racing 30 metres and beating several defenders. Vikings almost came up with another try immediately only to be denied by a last-ditch tackle, leaving Alnwick deservedly leading 14-7.

After the first break Vikings turned on the style. Tom Dweck, who had put in some strong tackles on the Alnwick loose forwards, now kicked cleverly to pin Alnwick back. This territorial gain first saw Vikings held up on the Alnwick tryline but then score an excellent try after a strong run by Lachie Steen. Alnwick replied with a tap and go try after being awarded a penalty and quick thinking by their number 10. It was Vikings though who were to finish the period well in front due to two tries from Gabriel Erasmus then one from debutant Arthur Davis. Both scorers benefited from excellent build up play by Will Cameron who ran straight lines and timed his passes perfectly to put the scorers into space. 31-21 to Vikings going into the final period.

Alnwick had a tough task as they lacked numbers on the bench and saw Vikings rotate their team again. The visitors looked tired in the hot, dry conditions and conceded two long range Vikings tries, the second a great solo effort by Rory Baker. Alnwick should have been demoralised at 41-21 down but rallied impressively in the final stages to score three excellent tries. Their Number 8, fly half and inside centre were a constant threat in the game and they took advantage of some poor Vikings defence in the last minutes to pull the score back to 41-38 at the final whistle.

Credit goes to Alnwick for a tough but fair workout, with thankfully no significant injuries on a hard surface.