Solid start for North Walsham Vikings despite loss to Worthing

For this first match of the new season against last season’s fourth-placed Worthing, supporting them was a new coaching team led by Director of Rugby Niall Lear.

Retrieving the Vikings' kick-off off. Worthing got away quickly.

In the second minute, they were awarded a penalty near halfway, kicked into touch about 15 metres from the Vikings line.

The North Walsham Vikings in action against Worthing (Image: Richard Polley)

Winning the lineout Worthing drove a maul over for an unconverted Jack Dooney-Palmer try.

Restarting, the Vikings grasped the game. They defended fiercely close to the breakdown and wide out.

Tackling fiercely they dislodged Worthing ball in the tackle a couple of times, scooped up the loose ball and turned defence into attack.

Towards the end of the half the Vikings were pressing the Worthing line. They crossed the line but were held up. However a minute or two later they secured an Ethan Holmwood try converted by Lucas Atherton on the stroke of half time leaving the score at 7-19 to Worthing.

Vikings’ second half started well. Driving Worthing back to their own line, frequently catching Worthing offside as they did all match, they were unable to score. Eventually Worthing’s Dan Sargent escaped to go the length of the pitch for a try in the 48th minute which was quickly followed by a try for Charlie Spencer.

The scoring finished with two good long-distance tries for Jack Forrest around the 66th minute making the final score 7-45 to Worthing.

A hard game deservingly won by Worthing but bestowing experience on the Vikings which will be valuable as the season progresses.

Director of rugby Niall Lear named Jobie Brooks as Lacon Brewery Man of the Match for his defensive efforts. He said of the game “It was a solid start to the season. We have a young, untested, team and they will learn many lessons from this encounter.”