We had travelled to Kirkby Lonsdale not long since with what ended up being a depleted side due to one thing or another. We had been badly defeated 37-0 and were ready to inflict revenge. We had a game plan and we knew how to beat them. We had a very strong line-up and I was pleased to see that on Saturday morning it was still in tact! The first team had gathered quite a crowd who no doubt would be having a peak at some excellent rugby behind them between the current top two sides in the Miller Homes 3N division.

Fylde Viking get things underway through a high kick from Adam Smith.

The first line out came and was beautifully simple, Rupert Cobain launched with a perfectly straight ball to Sam Laycock, hoisted at 4 straight off the top to the awaiting Ben Waller who was able to ship quick ball out to Sam Holliday at outside centre. Holliday then started on a mazy run, evading several tackles with his usual brilliance supported by Gregor Davidson who was somehow able to keep up with Holliday's movements as nobody else could!

Kirkby were showing the dangers that they posed with excellent recycling work, just as they had proven at home. They were pressing hard and causing problems to our defence with a couple of missed tackles, but that was made up for by big hits  from Waller and a hit on the 10 from Alex Johnson which left the man down for some considerable time. The next time he made a hit it was that big that he popped his shoulder and had to come off the field, replaced by Nathan Tittley (who had already played in the Vandal's game against Norwich Union RUFC earlier in the day)!

More sustained pressure from the Kirkby attack was showing how good our defence was proving to be but even a last ditch tackle from Sam Bensky couldn’t prevent them crashing over for the first score, 0-7.

A knock to the confidence to say the least but great work from the forwards caused Kirkby to concede the penalty, Smith taking the quick tap and breaking through the wall of forwards and gaining another penalty, this time a good nudge put us on the five, but we couldn’t get the score.

Suddenly Kirkby counter down the wing with a man over. He draws the man and lets the pass go with ease for Kirkby to extend their lead, 0-14.

Again Fylde get into a good position, another line-out in opposition territory. Hendrik Bekker was disrupted in the air by a Kirkby hand but Ross Andrews was able to collect the rebound. Shipped out to the backs again and Kirkby's line follows up so quickly we lose ten yards in the process.

HALF-TIME – FYLDE VIKINGS 0-14 KIRKBY LONSDALE

Stalwart Steve Stead had taken a battering and was replaced by returning father for the second time Jason Brownlee at the break.

Kirkby put us on the back foot straight from the off and we were in danger. On our own five but set up for the kick clear, an interesting pass came out of the back of the ruck, far too low for Smith to even contemplate catching and instead was touched down for a scrum Kirkby, eventually being turned into a penalty which they duly kicked, 0-17.

Straight away we were under pressure again and after some interesting defensive work another penalty was knocked over, 0-20.

A bit of tinkering was now required as Sam Holliday had to leave the field with a hand injury he had been playing through. Peter Jackson came on and went on the wing with Alex Tonge moving to centre.

Kirkby kick deep and Marshall Hargreaves collects and attempts a long cross-field pass to Jaco Fraser which was intercepted for a certain try, only for Peter Jackson to do the impossible, not only catch him from the other wing but haul him down, he'd obviously been chomping at the bit to get on the field! Marshy, sorry mate but you're getting 'Dick of the Day' for that one!!

Another injury to a Fylde forward, with Ross taking a knock to his knee, George Cook replaces him in the front row. Rupe also coming off being replaced by Chris Sherrington. An overhauled front row with Tittley coming back in to hook with Andy Hall and Cook propping him up.

A much better second half was unfolding now and finally we were following the game plan. Massive hard work from the forwards pushing Kirkby back and back, quickly spun out to Jacko who really was motoring, breaking straight through the Kirkby line with sheer strength to score, 5-20 and a glimmer of hope!

It was getting serious now, and wave after wave of short forward carries were getting us into the right position again. Over and over, again and again, they probably didn't appreciate my pleading from the touchline to go again. Hall Supported by Laycock, Brownlee supported by Cook, Bekker supported by Tittley, finally on what was probably the 30th phase Chris Sherrington goes over to rapturous celebration! Pure Viking rugby at it's best! Smith converting, 12-20. Could a late upset be on the cards?

It was not to be as the referee finally brought things to a close, and Kirkby's celebrations showed how hard they had been pushed. A great forwards performance here, one to be proud of! The promotion push is certainly not all over either as De La Salle conceded again this weekend, another concede and they are out. We've yet to play Bolton who have moved into second and Oldham slipped up, still all to play for.

The forwards have to be commended on their fantastic performance. They worked as a unit and played with aggression yet control and created most of the chances today. I've no doubt that if injury had kept Peter Jackson out this week I would have awarded a forward the 'Man of the Match' accolade, but it didn't and his second half introduction not only produced a try, it saved a certain try and injected some grit into the backline. And without doubt the 'Big Hit Award' goes to Alex Johnson – any hit that puts his shoulder out must have been massive!

VMT