FORTH VALLEY VIKINGS saw out a dramatic final day of the season as they beat Glasgow Rugby League to win the league.
The Vikings went into the last day needing to win by 52 points to overtake Edinburgh Eagles and win the shield for the second year running.
It was a tall order; however, it was one the team rose to and managed to run out the visitors 68-8 to retain the League Leaders Shield.
Hat tricks from Sam Herron and Andrew Agyako propelled the team in front, while Marc Murray also scored a brace.
Single tries from Ryan Butterworth, Lee Cairney, Cole Ronald and Dale Ashworth only added to the scoreline, giving the Vikings a comfortable victory over Glasgow to earn themselves the shield.
Kris Illingworth, coach and founder of the Vikings, said he was delighted with their performance and praised the team for retaining the shield.
“We’re really happy to have won the shield again,” he said. “We reached the Scottish Cup final last year and we made the grand final last year too as well.
“We’re proud to have retained the title and our attentions turn to next Saturday.”
Securing the league shield earns the Vikings a place in the grand final, due to take place in Grangemouth on July 22.
CHAMPIONS: Forth Valley Vikings have retained the league leaders shield for a second year running. Pictures provided by Forth Valley Vikings.
Glasgow faced Edinburgh over the weekend, with the winner set to face off against the Vikings in the grand final.
Kris added: “We had big celebrations on the Saturday after we won the league but then after that, we got back to serious business.
“We’ve got one more game to go, let’s get it done.”
Forth Valley Vikings formed in 2020 and have since become champions of the domestic summer rugby league twice.
The team operate out of the Hillfoots RFC facilities in Tillicoultry.
As a rugby league team, the Vikings play during the summer months. They have appealed to any rugby union players interested in maintaining their fitness during the off-season to play with them.
For more details on the team and for anyone interested in joining, email forthvalleyvikings@gmail.com
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