The Vikings won 30-8 at Stuart Park after some second-half injuries cost the Pirates dearly.

Aaron Robinson (concussion) and Jacob Law (ankle) left the field hurt. Law scored the only Pirates try of the afternoon.

Hastings Valley players had their own injury concerns, with Chris Johnson (back) hurt.

Both coaches said the scoreline didn’t indicate the closeness of the contest. Vikings’ mentor Andrew Kable wasn’t entirely happy with the win.

“I know that sounds a bit harsh, but we threw a lot of opportunities away today,” he said.

He said he thought the Pirates defended well in the first half.

“They threw everything at us,” Kable said.

“I was concerned we weren’t finding enough room.”

Adam McCormack played five-eighth for the Vikings while Lyndon Gale went into the centres.

“It took us 40 minutes to find our feet,” Kable said.

“It was a matter of being patient for us.”

Dan Williams and Lyndon Gale scored tries. Gale kicked two conversions and three penalties.

Gale’s try was the highlight of the afternoon, according to Kable.

“Adam McCormack put a chip and chase in, and he collected it and scored between the sticks,” he said.

“It was a great try.”

The Vikings will have to lift to another level for next weekend’s match against Coffs Harbour, and Kable knows it.

“They beat us in the first round,” he said.

“But that win puts us at the top of the table, and we intend to stay there.”

Pirates coach Nigel Hurlston said his team played better than the scoreline suggested.

 “There’s no way that was a 30-8 score,” he said.

“We played brilliantly in the first half.”

He lamented a couple of injuries which hurt his team.

“We both had injuries, but they dealt with theirs better,” Hurston said.