Ladies hand out a defeat to hosts
NEWCASTLE Vikings’ women’s team came from behind to snatch a superb 17-15 victory over hosts Manchester in their first Regional League North game of the season but the hosts proved too strong for Newcastle’s men.
In the women’s match, the sides traded early goals - right-winger Blessing Ogbee, left-half Emily Bjerk and centre Maren Liane levelling things up after each of Manchester’s strikes.
Marlen Slinning-Goulty from the penalty line and Marie Brevet from the left wing added further Vikings’ counters either side of Liane’s second but, despite typically-dogged Newcastle defence, Manchester held on to take an 8-6 lead into the break.
The second half, however, quickly turned in Newcastle’s favour as captain Sandra Christke struck from the line position, soon followed by a swift Bjerk hat-trick to put the Vikings ahead for the first time.
It was a solid defensive team performance by the Tynesiders, backed up by an inspired goalkeeping display from Andrea King.
In the men’s National League North clash, the home side took an early three-goal lead before centre Julien Eng put the Vikings on the scoresheet.
However, despite further goals from England half players Adam Harwood, Stephan Stricker and captain David Topacho’s brace, Newcastle were unable to withstand the swift and powerful attacking plays of their opponents as Manchester opened up a 16-6 advantage by half-time.
Manchester’s experience, strength and shooting accuracy continued to dominate in the second period, while a hand injury to Harwood led to him having to sit out the rest of the game.
Wingers Adam Mobberley and Matthew Lamb grabbed opportunist goals to add to further Eng and Stricker strikes from the back court as the Vikings tried their best to fight their way back into the contest.
Etienne Lisse scored his first Vikings’ goal from the line position, Eng fired in two penalties and Lamb snatched his second on the rebound - but by the final whistle Manchester’s men had run out clear 32-14 winners.