With the game never in doubt, several starters were rested in the second half, allowing some inexperienced players to see the field and gain much needed playing experience. There were also a number of key players missing, who will return in the upcoming games in Valencia, Spain against the Firebats and when the Oslo Vikings host the Cassidy Coventry Jets on April 26. If the Vikings win these two group games, the team will travel to Innsbruck, Austria on May 10 to face the Swarco Raiders Tirol – ranked #3 in Europe and one of the top teams in the talented Austrian League featuring elite clubs as the Raiffeisen Vienna Vikings (ranked #1 in Europe) and the Turek Graz Giants (ranked #9 in Europe).

On offense the Vikings attack came mostly through the air as the Knights secondary did not have an answer for the Oslo receivers. Quarterback Howard Bouldin threw for nearly 400 yards and 3 Tds in the game. He showed good pocket presence and also his dual threat as runner as well. American import WR Craig McIntyre totaled 4 touchdowns in the game, catching 3 and making a spectacular kickoff return for another score to blow open the game. Sidney Oliver added in 7 catches and a fantastic two-point conversion grab on a corner route in the back of the endzone.

“Howard made some good reads out there today,” said head coach Val Gunn. “Learning a new system, with new teammates in a new country is not something easy to do. But all-in-all I was pleased with his effort and I believe if he can continue to progress in the position, he shows some real promise.”

Bouldin did make a poor decision in trying to force into WR Sidney Oliver on an out route. The Kronborg cornerback broke on the ball and took it the other way for a touchdown.

“You cannot double-clutch that throw and make that decision. As soon as he threw it, I knew it was going the other way. He knows now that he can't underestimate the quality of competition over here and make those kinds of reads,” Coach Gunn commented.

McIntyre and fellow USA import Jaquon Morrison also new to the team were heavily involved on both the offense and defense throughout most of the day. The Vikings run game was minimal and is likely to be increased next weekend when Oslo faces their longtime crosstown rivals, the Valerenga Trolls. Nicolay Aslasken did add a touchdown on the ground with a short run, coming after a long completion from Bouldin to McIntyre.

Another new addition to the club is coach Brian Cain, bringing with him the attacking system he used as the Eidsvoll 1814's head coach and defensive coordinator in 2007. A perfectionist on defense coach Cain is difficult to please and knows that the defense must improve from game to game. Though the Kronborg Knights starting offense only scored a single touchdown, coach Cain felt the defense for the Vikings still has a ways to go.

“I didn't think we play up to our capabilities at all. Now I know we were missing some guys, but just did not play well. We were sluggish, did not make tackles or pursue to the ball and most important did not cause any turnovers.”

“On the positive side, after the first quarter we stepped it up. Christian Laupsa and Lorenzo Proctor made some big plays. Homer made some plays that sticked out and the junior LB David Jorgenson came in and got a huge tackle on the first play he got in.”

“We didn't get off the field on third downs like I wanted, but the starting defense only gave up one score in the game, with only really having one day of practice. So that is a big positive.”

Despite the long kickoff return for a touchdown from Craig McIntyre, overall the Oslo Vikings special teams proved to be lackluster. Coach Gunn was unhappy with the effort. “We have a lot of work to do on our special teams. Two PATs were blocked, the kickoff coverage was poor and our one punt was less than stellar.”

Overall the team-building trip was very much a success for the Vikings and give a big thank you for competition and hospitality of the Kronborg Knights. The Danish club is scheduled to make a trip to Oslo for the 2009 season as the more and more Norwegian and Danish clubs are playing each each other.

Coach Gunn finished his post-game comments by adding, “Of course this is why you have these types of games. To get in the work before the real ones matter. It is nice to get out with win. We did not have any injuries and some of our backups got some playing time. We take this, build on it and will be better next week.”