Viking North Utsire wrapped up Division 1a safety with a 3-0 stroll against managerless FC Barrymore II last Monday on the final day of the Ultimate League's Golden Anniversary season.
Ingolf Kvalvik made it into double figures for combined goal/assist points for the fourth straight season when he headed Viking in front after half an hour, and with Toralf Austrheim supplying the cross it ensured the midfield veteran had provided an assist for an 18th straight season at the eleventh hour. After the break Kvalvik repaid the compliment by crossing for Austrheim to head his second goal of the season -- but not to be outdone the 36-year-old Toralf produced another reminder of his enduring class when he swung another pinpoint ball into the box in the 72nd minute for Ingolf to again nod past the hapless Payton Collis in the relegated visitors' net.
The win, a fifth of the league campaign and third in their last four matches, ensured Viking would finish 4th, just a point behind Ichnusa -- whom they already know they will face on the opening day of next term following the release of the Season 51 fixture list.
With the close-season curtailed due to Viking entering the UL Cup in Round 1 next Friday, there is only time for two friendlies. Toralf Austrheim has thus generously agreed to split the proceeds from this Friday's friendly against Constitutional Peasants -- meant as his testimonial -- with Cezary Hajdas, as there will now not be a chance for another home friendly. Not to complete surprise at Dogger Bank, the pair have elected to announce their retirements in unison to make way for the longtime up-and-comers (like Ingolf Kvalvik) in the midfield department who need to be playing all the time as they reach their peak years.
Cezary did not feature in the testimonial, as he is still sidelined by the longterm injury he suffered at CL Istanbul 05 at the start of this month, something that no doubt factored into his decision to retire. He watched on from the stands though as Viking eventually emerged 5-3 victors in a thrilling game that saw the visiting Peasants twice come from behind to take a 3-2 halftime lead, David Austrheim level at the start of the second half then set up Haakon Austrheim to complete his hat-trick, and finally young forward Xavier Klovning secure the win with a fifth in stoppage time. Toralf played the full 90+ minutes and took the plaudits from the adoring crowd at the final whistle, for whom he will shortly perform for a 19th and last season.