Four big victories to kick off Rugby Shield

Round One of the Australian Rugby Shield kicked off around the country this weekend, with the tournament newcomers, the ACT & Southern NSW Vikings, and the defending champions Perth Gold amongst those who enjoyed comprehensive victories.

Full match reports are below.

Vikings victorious on debut

The ACT & Southern NSW Vikings have opened their inaugural campaign with a 50-12 victory over the Queensland Country Heelers at Sunshine Beach in Queensland.

The match was hard-hitting for the locals, who, despite holding their own in the lineout and scrum were no match for a physically imposing Vikings team that dominated both halves, scoring six of their eight tries in the first 40 minutes and adding an additional 10 first-half points through conversions to Josh Staniforth.

In the second half the Vikings continued their points haul through some outstanding support and broken field play.

The Heelers responded late in the half with a converted try, but ultimately, repeated missed first tackles throughout the match gave their opponents too many opportunities to score.

ACT & Southern NSW Vikings 50 (Luke Gray 2, Ryan Evans, Josh Staniforth, Brendan O'Neill, Beau Mokotupu, Matt Hogan, Joel Russell; Josh Staniforth 5 cons) defeated Queensland Country 12 (David Nolan, Che Anderson tries; Joe Adams con).

Forward pack propels NSW Country to a win

NSW Country's forward pack has propelled the Cockatoos to a 51-nil win over the Darwin Mosquitoes at Austar Rugby Park in Darwin.

The Cockatoos' forwards were instrumental in their team's successful start to the tournament, consistently outclassing the host team at the breakdown and controlling play through scrumhalf Paul Elliott.

At the half-time break the Cockatoos led 19-nil, with several of their try-scoring opportunities coming out wide through missed first tackles by the Mosquitoes.

In the second half NSW Country's pre-season training paid off, their stamina allowing them to dominate the 80 minutes and finish the match trouncing the Mosquitoes 51-nil.

NSW Country 51 (Dave Greig, Ross Duncan, Daniel Johnson, Gareth Williams, Elliott Tourle, Matt Panton, Pat Barrett tries; Josh Clift 4 cons, 2 pens; Elliott Tourle con) defeated Darwin 0.

Melbourne dampens Tassie spirit

The Melbourne Axemen have dampened a spirited tournament debut by the Tassie Jack Jumpers, defeating their southern state counterparts 56-8.

Played in mild conditions following heavy rain yesterday, the match at Harlequin Rugby Club at Ashwood pit an experienced Victorian side against competition first-timers Tasmania, the host team's previous years in the tournament telling the tale.

Despite the growing scoreline the Jack Jumpers remained committed and spirited throughout the match, shutting down Victoria's attacks for the opening 20 minutes of play before the Axemen capitalised on holes in Tasmania's defence.

Melbourne Axeman 56 (Todd Cornford 3, Darren Routene, Matt Beissel, Andrew Castleman, Michael Thompson, Andrew Brown, Caleb Stephenson tries; Michael Thompson 4 cons, pen) defeated Tassie Jack Jumpers 8 (Paulo Saisoaa try; Kyle Holland pen).

Perth Gold kicks off Shield defence with a win.

A strong performance by the Perth forward pack laid the groundwork for six unanswered tries including doubles to winger Charlie Norcross and flanker Blair Morris.

Perth's backline also excelled, outpacing their opponents at every opportunity.

Host team the Adelaide Black Falcons looked threatening early on, finding themselves on the Perth 22-metre line for the opening 20 minutes of the match but advancing no further, with Perth's defence remaining solid to hold them at bay.

Adelaide went into Round One with five of their regular players ruled out during the week through injury, a factor that saw them on the back foot for most of the match.

Perth Gold 34 (Charlie Norcross 2, Blair Morris 2, Will Brock, Ryan Lenegan tries; Ryan Lenegan 2 cons) defeated Adelaide Black Falcons 3 (Andrew Farquharson pen).

2006 AUSTRALIAN RUGBY SHIELD POINTS TABLE

All start times listed are local.

Related Article:

Full Schedule List and Preview (Thurs May 4)