By Alex McLachlan
The Oslo Vikings faced off against the Sand IL Falcons this week in a one sided affair, which resulted in a 51-0 victory for the team from the capital.
The Vikings had some shocking news pre game, as word came that a car carrying players had been involved in an accident on the way to the fixture. However, with the players seemingly stable, play was allowed to start, and Oslo had a cause to fight for. And fight they certainly did, putting on an offensive clinic, seeming to be totally unstoppable! A particularly heart-warming moment came when Aleksander Thomas ran in the Viking’s only score of the second half. Thomas had been one of the boys involved in the crash, and to show this degree of mental strength really is incredible!
The defence, meanwhile, were equally dominant. Not content to allow the offence all the glory, the Vikings D returned two passes to the house. The first by Jehad Timraz put the Vikings ahead by 17, whilst Per Gaarden’s 55 yard pick-6 made the game unassailable. Indeed, Gaarden had an incredible outing all around. We’ll let the stats talk for themselves:
3 TFLs; 50 punt return yards; 1 Interception, returned 55y for TD; 2 passes defended; 0 receptions allowed and to put the icing on the cake he came in on offence and caught 2 passes for 62 yards and a TD, as well as rushing for another score.
Despite the seemingly one-sided nature of the game, the Sand actually represented themselves with class and earned the respect of their opposition. Vikings Coach Knutsen raved about their potential as a new team, headed by Greg Kleidon, who also coaches the National team as HC and OC. Of particular note was Tight End Kacper Latkowski who physically held his own against the strong Oslo team.
With this result the Vikings keep the pressure on the table topping Valerenga Trolls, keeping their undefeated streak maintained. Meanwhile, the Falcons are still looking for the programmes first win, having started this year. Their chance may well come in their next game against the Nidaros Domers, who are yet to win a game outside of forfeit!
Photo Credit: http://oslovikings.com/