Rockingham Vipers bite deep to win season opener against Perth Blitz

Reigning champions Rockingham Vipers opened their 2018-19 Gridiron West season with a dominant 30-0 win over Perth Blitz at Lark Hill Sporting Complex on Saturday night.

With plenty of fresh faces in both squads, the Vipers scored twice in the first half to hold a 14-0 lead at half-time.

Flashes of brilliance, including four interceptions, saw the Vipers start to overpower the Blitz and increase the margin in the second half, underscored by a brilliant juggled reception touchdown for Chvon Richardson.

The Blitz offence was unable to string many plays together, which afforded the Vipers’ defence ample time to rest up while its offence enjoyed plenty of possession and time on the field, capped by three touchdowns to Richardson.

In a rematch of last season’s juniors grand final, it was the Vipers again victorious 38-6.

The Blitz’s inexperience and shortage of players showed, particularly in defence, and the home side was able to hit the scoreboard regularly.

The Vipers’ women enjoyed an excellent start in their first ever fixture, despite falling 26-20 to the reigning women’s champs.

The women had a powerful running game and tight defence which worried the Blitz all day, and a touchdown in the final 30 seconds for the Blitz stole the victory.

This Saturday the Vipers travel to Lightning Park, Noranda to take on the Perth Broncos. The seniors battle at 7pm, with the juniors and women’s games at 3pm and 5pm .