The rise of Hastings Valley Vikings winger Sebastian Pankiewicz continued as the Vikings opened their Upper Mid North Coast Rugby Union winning account for 2021 on May 8.
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Pankiewicz once again found his way to the tryline as the Vikings kept pace with the clock early before they outclassed Kempsey 46-12 at Oxley Oval.
After making the transition from rugby league to the 15-a-side game this season, Pankiewicz appears to be a handy signing for the Vikings.
"It's his first year playing for us and he's the most elusive little bastard," co-coach Adam McCormack said.
"People underestimate him and next thing you know he plucks the ball up off the ground and takes off."
McCormack said his team's impressive win came on the back of a complete overhaul of their overall structure with the footy.
"We were relying too much on what we've been doing in previous years, but (co-coach and brother) Hamish (McCormack) and I decided we don't have the same team to be able to do that," McCormack said.
"We changed our whole structure in the last two weeks and everyone was accountable for their roles and knew where they had to be the whole time.
"No-one had excuses for not being on the right spot of the field and everyone seemed to get to where they had to be so it was much better from us that's for sure."
McCormack admitted the Vikings' fast start was the key to bouncing back from a 27-22 opening round defeat to Port Macquarie a fortnight ago.
"It was a bit of a kick in the bum, but the competition is going to be really strong," he said.
"I can't see any team being the dominant team all the way through so hopefully it brings a lot more interest in and players are really keen because the premiership could go to any of the five teams."
Hastings Valley now have back-to-back road trips to Coffs Harbour ahead in the next fortnight before they can basically set up camp in the Hastings for the remainder of the season.
"We've got a big fortnight and then after that we barely need to leave home so we need to make sure we show up for the next two weeks," McCormack said.
For Kempsey, Braden Farrawell and Corey Drew were the try-scorers - Farrawell's show and go close to the line a particular highlight for the away crowd.
Three yellow cards were given throughout the game with William Yabsley a recipient for Kempsey along with two Hastings players.
In the under-14s the Vikings ran out 29-14 victors, the under-18s drew 7-all while the Vikings kicked a penalty goal after the siren to steal a 9-8 win in reserve grade.
Discipline proved to be the downfall of Kempsey in reserves with Hastings points coming exclusively through penalty goals.
A penalty and try to Jordan Byrne earned the away side their eight points.
The Cannonballs first grade side will have the day off this weekend while the reserves play Bowraville Goannas at Crescent Head and juniors come up against BDC Barracudas.
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