Sydney Rays sink the Vikings in dominant display at Rat Park

In a performance that all but guarantees their maiden semi-finals berth, the Sydney Rays put on a dominant display, running out 58-14 winners over a shell-shocked Vikings side. The win is the Rays highest point scoring margin in their history, and sends moves them to within one point of the Country Eagles, with the Vikings facing the real possibility of losing their place in the Top 4.

The Match

The sun was shining, wind was up and the stage was set for a cracker of a game at Rat Park. The Rays had never beaten the Vikings and the last time they played the Vikings demolished them 63-37. Around 1200 (my estimate) packed in, with a large amount of Viking supporters making the trip up from the nation’s capital. Both sides started off slowly, however when the Rays scored in the eighth minute through a well-orchestrated rollover try, they clicked into gear and the floodgates opened.

The Vikings were not helped by the fact they had little possession, but they were also shooting themselves in the foot through silly mistakes. Much of this was also due to the excellent pressure the Rays defense placed upon them, slowing down their ball at the breakdown and forcing mistakes. By comparison, the Rays looked dangerous every time they got the ball. Damien Fitzpatrick was having a cracker of a game, and found himself bagging two tries in five minutes as the Rays forwards showed their class, while Irae Simone continued his red hot form setting up Josh Turner in one of the best long range efforts we’ve seen this season. Suddenly, it was 38-0 inside of half an hour.

The Vikings finally came up with a response, getting on the scoreboard through Smiler, but the Rays had the final say of the first half, with Turner going in for his second to have the score 46-8 at the halfway point. The Vikings looked shell-shocked, but whatever the coach said to them at halftime, they came out a different side.

While the first half showcased one of the most stunning attacking masterclasses from the Rays, the second half showcased some of the most impressive defence I have ever seen in the NRC. With possession in their favour, the Vikings began to look threatening. However, the Rays repelled everything that was thrown at them time after time, with aggressive defence leading to turnover after turnover. The Rays spent over 15 minutes of the second half stuck in their own 22, however the Vikings were only able to salvage one try, courtesy of a yellow card to James Brown.

When they finally got out of their half, their outstanding defensive effort was rewarded with Sinclair going over at the 54^th minute as the Rays found holes everywhere in the Vikings floundering defence.  When Harry Jones scored at the 78^th minute for the Rays final try, it was the icing on the cake of a completely comprehensive performance as the Rays scored their highest total ever in an NRC match.

What won the Rays the game was not their attack, but their defense. Every opportunity the Vikings got the ball the Rays were up in their face and aggressive. This effectively shut the Vikings out of the game, and while this meant the Rays were on the receiving end of many penalties at times with their aggressiveness, this game showed us that defence is why the Rays are near the top of the table. To anyone who complains that defense is virtually non-existent in the NRC, watch this game. This is how you do it.

The Vikings will be very disappointed with this performance. They were shut out of the game early and never looked like coming back. In the context of their up-and-down season, this loss may prove to be fatal, should the Perth Spirit prevail over Brisbane City tomorrow over in the West. Either way, this sets up what will be a thrilling encounter between the two sides next week down in Canberra, in a match that more than likely will determine who clinches that final place.

The Rays, with their semi-final position all but secured, now have the potential to finish on top of the table (with Country Eagles loss to QLD Country) and gain a home semi-final if they beat the Rising next week. If the Rams lose tomorrow, a victory in Melbourne will also mark the first time ever a NSW team has ever held the Horan-Little Shield.  There is still plenty to play for, and the Rays look to be peaking at just the right time. This victory will send a dangerous warning to all the other teams.

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The Game Changer

The Rays following up their attacking class with solid defense in the second half. The Vikings looked threatening in the first five minutes after halftime, but the Rays defence more than matched it, and when they turned the ball over in the 45^th minute, it sent a message to the Vikings. It was a not only a physical victory, but a mental one. From that moment on, the Rays never looked like losing, and it capped off the dominance of their performance.

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The G&GR MOTM

When he came off in the 54^th minute Damien Fitzpatrick’s absence left a notable impact, and he is a well-deserved man of the match. He had a truly outstanding game, bagging two tries, and performing brilliantly in the scrum, the lineout and general play. Irae Simone, while not bagging any tries, continues to impress, setting up Turner and Sinclair’s tries and looking dangerous every time he got the ball. I seriously hope the Waratahs give him game time. On a day when your team is completely outplayed, Jordan Jackson-Hope was the only player who really gave the Vikings any go forward in the backs, and was inspiring in a losing team. To do that at such a young age really shows his maturity as a player. He will be going places, and has the makings of what could be a great Wallaby.

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Oz Baabaa Watch

Well, I didn’t give Josh Turner the wrap up he deserved for MOTM, but I will here. He was absolutely on fire today, with his support play and finish skills stellar. Hugh Sinclair also had a great game for the Rays, and seriously, someone pick up Dewet Roos for a Super Rugby team! The guy has so much talent and there is a reason why coach Simon Cron puts him on to finish off games. Get the man a contract! For the Vikings……… yeah there wasn’t much, but one person who did stick out was Faalelei Stone, who looked like a right handful to deal with when he got the ball. [/one_third]

 The Details