THEY’VE had undefeated seasons in first and reserves thus far and ticked off the coveted club championship, but the Hastings Valley Vikings have two more achievements on their mind this weekend.
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The club is up against old foes in Port Macquarie Pirates in first and reserve grades in a couple of massive match-ups.
If they don’t bag victories in both grades, the Vikings will be sorely disappointed.
They will be at full strength for both matches tomorrow.
Coach Andrew Kable is aware that club championships don’t mean much unless victory in the biggest game of the year is locked in.
“Unless we can bring home the chocolates on Saturday, no one will remember,” he said.
Kable has had to make a couple of tough selection decisions before tomorrow’s game, as the Vikings’ great depth comes to the fore.
Teale Bryan, Dennis Robinson and Hayden Veitch will miss out on matches for reserve grade.
All three are great clubmen and have reacted well to the news.
Robinson’s story is remarkable. He’s made a comeback this season to be part of the Vikings’ 20th anniversary celebrations.
He was a member of the club’s original side.
His toughness on the pitch was, and still is, unmatched. Robinson won the club’s Terminator award four years on the trot.
Kable paid tribute to the club’s younger players. The Vikings had under 14s, 16s, 18s, reserve grade and the top grade for the first time in their history.
“As club champions, everyone contributed,” Kable said.
A fair percentage of Vikings’ success this season can be put down to the club’s strong scrum.
Hamish McCormack will be in the pack tomorrow.
The club larrikin has a serious side on game day. Vikings insiders say he’s getting more and more like his father David every day.
McCormack said he didn’t stick to the straight up the middle method like his father used to.
He couldn’t wait to get out there for another massive local derby on the biggest day of the year.
“A local derby always brings out the best in both sides,” McCormack said.
