Vikings too strong for the Surge, move into Semis

Game Report by Mick Tyler

Photos courtesy of Michael Oakes Photography

 

Newcastle Vikings v Staffordshire Surge - Sunday 23^rd August 2015

 

Sunday proved to be an historic day for the Newcastle Vikings not only did they make the play offs in what is their first season in the British National League but they recorded their first playoff win with what was a less than convincing victory over Staffordshire Surge 23-14

On a beautiful sunny but windy day the conditions played some part in making the passing and kicking games interesting, both sides struggled all day to convert consistently

The first half in particular saw defences in control with each teams 2 missed Field goal attempts being the only action to speak of until Vikings QB Nick Whitehead hooked up to his brother Al with less than 2 minutes left to give the Vikings a small lead at the half 7-0

The Surge hit back with a TD early in the third quarter but missed the PAT to make the score 7-6

The Vikings responded with a second passing TD from Nick Whitehead this time to Danny Bomken and a 2 PAT conversion caught by Jonathan Kelmsley to take the lead to 15-6

Staffordshire were not finished there and they responded with a fine individual TD from QB John Wyse and a 2 PAT to bring the scores close again at 15-14

The Vikings responded this time with a similar running TD from QB Nick Whitehead to go to 21-14.

The game was completed when the Vikings defence scored on a safety to make the final score 23-14

 

MVP’s were

Offence – Davis Parker

Defense - Dick Carr

Specials – Robbie Brumpton

Team – Nick Whitehead

 

Next up is the semi-final game V Sandwell Steelers on Sunday 6^th September