Impressive North Walsham RFC show no mercy on struggling Woodford RFC
The impressive Matt Oakes makes ground for the Vikings at Woodford. Picture: Hywel Jones. - Credit: Archant
North Walsham were in control of their latest London 1N fixture from the outset, running in eight tries for a bonus point victory against bottom of the league Woodford.
This was a good team performance, with Aki Downing, Matt Oakes and Tom Coller repeatedly gaining ground, captain Tom Williams working well off the back of the scrum, and backs David Treglown and Rhys Davies-Horne kicking sensibly from hand.
The home side, featuring former Vikings' three quarter John Dwight, and despite having lost several key players since promotion last season, contributed to an entertaining afternoon's rugby with a try in each half.
Walsham full back James Knight touched down first, with right wing Will Quinn scooting over next, both goals converted from out wide by Treglown.
Woodford's Peter Hyett struck a penalty from 27 metres, before Knight got his second try, this time unconverted.
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To celebrate his 100th first team appearance, Shane van Vuuren was next on the scoreboard, beating his man out on the left and coming in to score between the uprights, for Treglown to add the extras.
With half-time approaching, the visitors' play became a little too loose, allowing Woodford wing Adam Duffy a sight of the line, Hyett converting, to leave the score at the break at 10-26.
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Vikings' flanker Mike Rouse struck soon after the restart, his score converted by Treglown, before his Woodford opposite number Mike Lawler went over from a lineout five metres from the Walsham goal, Hyett's conversion kick just creeping over the crossbar.
Will Hodgson started the third quarter with a break straight through the middle, for a well taken try, before grabbing a second, under the posts, five minutes later, both added to by Treglown.
To finish the afternoon, Vikings' man of the match Chris Kent took the final touchdown, which went unconverted.
Walsham are now reasonably well placed in mid-table, having reeled off four straight wins since losing 46-8 at Colchester in mid October,
But they need to consolidate this with bonus point performances next week at home to Tabard, followed by a testing away fixture at Chingford.
Graham Price
