Vipers Back With A Bang

After the summer holidays the Vipers were back in acton against an impressive Widnes West Bank, which included two debuts for the home side.
Coach David Mills took to the field for the first time, whilst Alfie Dowd took his spot in the starting line up following a lengthy wait over the break for his first taste of the action.

The Vipers were slowly into their stride and when they were kept out in the very first set it looked like it was going to be a tough morning for the boys. West Bank quickly established a lead on the back of that and scored on each of their first four sets, each sandwhiched between three tries for the home side.
George Rothwell collected the first of his three tries as he squeezed in in the corner and this was followed by Alfie Dowds first ever try as he set the ball rolling on a Man of The Match performance. Joe Harding followed suit as he opened his account for the day after superb work from Harvey Holt. Holt and Ben Haughton caused problems for the Widnes team all morning with brave strong carries and neat offloads and both were unlucky not to cross the line as they were held out by last ditch tackles.

Mitch Ireland was instrumental in the Vipers performance with slick, accurate passing to set the barn storming Tyler Mills, on his way to the try line in the second quarter, Ireland didn't stop there as he found Jaden Penny in space, the Vipers number 20 didn't need a second invite as he danced his way to the try line in typical Penny fashion. Captain for the day Harding lead the way as a captain should and collected the second of his four on the day as the game went tit for tat. The game then saw Henry Briscoe weave his magic and his dancing feet as he sliced his way through four would be tacklers and to the try line in what could be argued the try of the game. West Bank again responded and at Half Time they led 8-7

After an indifferent half in defence the penny seemed to drop in the second half and the Vipers upped their game. Bobby 'The Hitman' Hill collected the tackle champion award for the third time this year and led the way showing fantastic technique to fell the opposition time after time. Luke Taylor tried several times to unleash his blistering pace and hand off but was unfortunately denied twice by the sideline and Bears cover defence. The third quarter ended 3 -3 after Rothwell hit the after burners to race away twice from the opposition and complete his hat-trick accompanied by Briscoe grabbing a second.

Still down by one going into the final quarter the home side showed what they are capable of, keeping the opposition out on all four occasions, three times over the line with great desperate scrambling defence.
In attack Harding completed his hat-trick early in the quarter to level things up but with one set to go the scores were tied.
The Viper boys were looking tired but after it looked like the game would finish in a stalemate up stepped captain Marvel to streak away down the right touchline after great build up work by the rest of the team.

From a coaching/refereeing point of view it was pleasing to see the team put into practice what we have have been doing in training, working as a team, passing the ball, tackling around the legs and waist but most importantly having fun with their mates!!

Shaun