HASTINGS Valley Vikings proved last week’s loss was a minor hiccup when they accounted for Coffs Snappers 24-0 at Oxley Oval on Saturday.

A westerly wind howled across the ground for the entire match which made for less than ideal conditions.

But it was the Vikings who dealt with the challenge better than their counterparts with five-eighth Kenny Anderson scoring two tries.

Vice-president Brent Horan said the club registered wins in both reserve grade and first grade to bounce back from the disappointment of seven days prior.

“A lot of people were saying last week’s loss was the end of our run, but it actually had the opposite effect and the boys turned up as a refreshed side,” he said.

“No one likes losing at the best of times, but I think it could prove to be a massive turning point for us this season.

“Winning sort of became expected so there was a real desire that came back from the boys.”

Centre Lyndon Gale had his best game of the season while Horan felt David Tunstead had his best game in several years.

“It’s the best I’ve seen him play,” he said.

In the end the Vikings wore the Snappers down despite an ever-increasing injury list and the absence of Adam McCormack.

“The one-percenters that were missing in the last couple of weeks returned and given the conditions it was a really pleasing performance,” Horan said.

The Vikings vice-president said the scoreline didn’t reflect the closeness of the contest, but said the forwards laid the platform.

They didn’t last week.

“Coffs were dogged and had their opportunities, but the forwards were much improved than last week.”

Reserve grade also bounced back with a comfortable 31-7 win.

“It was good to get back on track and we did that by getting back to basics,” Horan said.

“To only concede one try across two grades was really pleasing.”