Fresh off a flawless performance against Shoalhaven last weekend, the 2017 grand finalists weren’t perfect in the 47-24 win over Kiama, but they were able to strike when they had opportunities with the ball in hand.

The win comes as Vikings slowly see their side return to full strength and coach Sean Barrett has been pleased by the team’s recovery after an uneven start to the season.

“It’s good to get the win,” Barrett said. “It’s starting to come together for the side, we’re starting to get a few guys back, so we’re happy. Our forwards laid the platform today [Saturday], the lineout’s been okay, scrum was a bit patchy, but everything was pretty perfect last week.

“Kiama are a traditional side, they try and play through the middle, so we had to combat that. They’re a traditional rival, so it was good to get the win.”

Despite jumping out to a 28-7 lead after just 20 minutes, Vikings were made to work for the entire match, with Kiama controlling possession and field position for large portions of the match. 

Boasting a considerable size advantage in the forwards, the visiting side played tight and direct, rolling through the middle of the field. Vikings, however, fought hard in defence, putting pressure on Kiama at the breakdown and forcing a number of mistakes. 

Vikings placed themselves under pressure with a number of errors inside their own half throughout the final 15 minutes of the opening stanza, but Kiama were only able to cross for one try throughout the period of sustained attack.

“Full credit to Kiama, they made us work, they didn’t allow us to play our up-tempo game, they slowed it down. They profited from a pretty good platform the forwards were setting. The way we work to dig ourselves out of slumps in games is a credit to the boys.”

Leading 28-12 at the resumption of the second half, Vikings set out to strike early and kick away from their rivals.

The home side did exactly that, crossing 10 minutes into the half, and then adding a second just moments later thanks to a brilliant break by fullback Jason Reid. 

“Our systems are allowing our little guys like Tommy Sawden and Jason Reid to actually play, which is good,” Barrett said.

“They've got a bit of X-factor about them. We just need to keep on going how we are.

“We're working hard, getting a few players back, which is good, but everyone knows the plan, simple, direct, aggressive footy and we'll definitely get some wins on the board.”

The weekend’s other games saw Avondale claim their sixth-straight win with a dominant 44-8 victory over Shamrocks. 

University overcame local rivals Tech 43-31 in a high-scoring affair at Saunders Oval, Shoalhaven and Bowral played out a 22-all draw and Camden picked up their second win of the season with a 22-12 win over Campbelltown.