Vikings plough through mud in impressive fashion
north walsham - Credit: Archant
North Walsham 29 Chingford 0
North Walsham emerged with a comprehensive, four try, bonus point victory after an old fashioned tussle in the mud at Scottow, writes Graham Price.
The match got under way in a torrential downpour and the Vikings played virtually the whole game in the opposition half.
In difficult conditions, under floodlights, Ethan Benney was safe under the high ball and Mike Braans got to within five metres of the try line after an early break.
Matt Hodgson put the home side ahead with a penalty after 17 minutes. Two further penalties were kicked to touch, despite a poorly functioning home lineout.
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A double rainbow appeared as the sun broke through before the half hour, and Walsham drove over the Chingford line, but no try was given.
The Vikings kept up the pressure with four scrums on the opposition line, but no further score came, the sides turning round at 3-0.
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With the wind behind them in the second half, Walsham scored a try through centre Will Hodgson, converted by brother Matt.
Matt then went over himself following a scrum 12 metres out, but he couldn't convert.
Benney then touched down after good follow-up play down the left wing, Matt Hodgson converting from the touchline.
Freddy Henley-Hunter, in the line from full back, rounded off a good game with try number four, converted by Matt Hodgson from out wide and the Vikings made it six wins out of eight this season.
Coach Nick Greenhall named Matt Hodgson as the Chalk Hill Brewery man-of-the-match for 'getting his team to the right places'.
North Walsham stay fifth in London One North, but face a much stiffer test at the weekend with an away trip to second placed Amersham & Chiltern.
