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Holderness Vikings U18’s v Hunslet Warriors U18’s
Gillette National Conference League
Warrior’s coach Simon Peach had prepared his team well for their visit to Hull and a hard fought game saw them end the Vikings’ 100 per cent home record and retain their top of the table position.
The opening minutes of the game was a close encounter played at blazing pace but good work by Warrior’s winger Joe Potifa broke the deadlock and saw him cross after 7 minutes with man of the match James Woods adding the extras.
Five minutes later Vikings levelled when a strong run from scrum half Mathew Faulkner saw him pass the ball out wide to hooker Tony Grantham who managed to get the ball down. Centre Jamie Marsden converting.
Warriors responded with the prompting of the outstanding Matty Scott and, after a near miss when Danny Cahill sprinted down the wing only to be put into touch, were rewarded when 2nd row Connor Nolan crossed and Jake Corney stepped up to convert.
Just before the half time break, questionable refereeing decisions took their toll and tempers on both sides became frayed as frustration set in. It was a wise decision by both coaches to bring their teams off a minute early and calm the situation down.
Half Time: Holderness Vikings U18’s 6 - Hunslet Warriors U18’s 12
Vikings needed a good opening in the second half and it was their danger man
Faulkner who provided just that. A strong run saw him touch down at the side of the posts, Lewis Sudderby on target with the conversion.
Warriors Stuart Zubrzycki took some holding for the Viking’s defence with centre Ryan Lee and standoff Jake Reed also making an impact but it was Prop Bradley Gill who crashed over with Woods converting.
Vikings Scott Harrison and Joe Lowes both scored to give their team some hope but a 60 yard sprint by Warrior’s Elliot Morgan resulted in a crucial try followed by a punishing run from Prop James Woods who powered over, Jake Corney converting both. Warriors then wrapped it up with just a minute remaining when Cahill raced down the wing and scored in the corner.
Full Time: Holderness Vikings U18’s 20 - Hunslet Warriors U18’s 34