Vikings take on a Tornado

53-8 is a pretty good afternoon by any standard. The crowd obviously loves Eddie McLaughlin, Jone Tawake and Frankie Fainifo – and they all got on the board, McLaughlin 3 times. Christian Lealiifano also troubled the scorer, and got man of the match with a performance where he showed a greater willingness to take on the defensive line. Tim Wright, though not yet cult status, got two and will be heading for local favourite status.

The performance was even better when one considers that Julian Salvi and Anthony Faingaa each scored a ten minute rest because they impressed the ref so much with their enthusiasm. It was good to see some balance between Marist (Salvi) and St Edmunds (Faingaa) in this respect. The reduction of long arm penalties under the new rules has been good, but it has meant that a run of short arm penalties is probably more likely to lead to a yellow card. Saturday’s TV game was an example, with one player getting two cards (hence red) and a few others sitting out for a time.

Not as happy an afternoon for Clinton Schifcofske on his return to Canberra. He showed, again, that he is a player of courage and quality – safe under the high kick and always making good decisions. A few more of him, and things could have been different.

The latte was no better than ordinary. I make significantly better coffee and I don’t get paid for it.

A free drink in the members bar for anyone who can identify a terubo.