This game was as exciting as the scoreline suggests, with the Vikings coming close to a memorable victory over promotion candidates Chingford.

At 21-6 down after 30 minutes, a heavy defeat seemed possible, but Walsham clawed their way back to be one point behind at the break and set up a thrilling second half with the result in doubt until the end.

The Vikings were in danger of being overrun but they regained their composure and began to play a tighter game. Five minutes before half-time a driving maul took Mark McCall over for a try converted by Dewing.

The visitors were in the ascendancy and they again worked their way relentlessly forward. They demolished a Chingford 10-metre scrum to earn a penalty and showed great patience and skill to retain the ball through a series of breakdowns before Chris Kent went over, which Dewing converted.

Chingford began the second half determined to re-impose themselves and a Stephen Carr try in the 52nd minute stretched the lead to six. Back bounced the Vikings and three minutes later Dewing cut the deficit with a 35-metre penalty.

As the game entered the final quarter another Dewing penalty made it 26 points each.

The remainder of the match was tense end to end fare as turnovers became commonplace with both sides going for the win. Seven minutes from the end of normal time Chingford looked to have won it with a Duffus penalty but there was 10 minutes of stoppage time to come.

Chingford's lead held for 10 minutes until after sustained pressure Dewing's fifth penalty drew the Vikings level. The likely draw seemed a fair result but there was one more twist as the Vikings were penalised at the breakdown and with the final kick of the game Duffus gave Chingford victory.

This was probably the Vikings best performance this season and the bonus point for being within seven points seemed scant reward.

Mention should be made of Dewing, successful with seven kicks of seven, and both flankers; debutant Will Martin and Chalk Hill Brewery Man of the Match Aki Dowling, normally a prop.

Elsewhere in London One North there was a fifth consecutive defeat for Diss, losing 27-13 at home against second-placed Eton Manor.