It’s true what they say - ‘There’s no substitute for having played and having the points in the bag’. And this is the case following our postponed matches and a 3 week break, that now with games in hand we hoped to be fresh and alive to the challenge of North Walsham RFC would undoubtedly offer.

With little support and a bus journey to a land far far away our cherubs were confident of achieving our first away win of the season. Back in October ‘Walsh’ managed to hold on, just to a 23-18 away win. Now lower to mid-table confidence levels were high and rightly so.

We welcomed Chris Joyce back as our wee Hooker, his knees rejuvenated and his CrossFit training making him look 10 years younger. Andrew Toole was also added owing to him being Scottish. With Scotland undoubted favourites for the 6 Nations, we felt this was a shrewd selection. Tom Fawssett was all excited with an opportunity to rumble as inside centre, with youngster Josh Fisher back again hoping to improve on his try double from debut against Tring.

It was my first time travelling to the Clubhouse in Norwich Road, Scottow, near North Walsham. Lovely facilities, copious amounts of beer and pizza and a terrific sound system to whip up the large and very patriotic home crowd. Reading their pre-match report the scene was definitely set for an-other tight match.

And so, to the action

A&C started well gaining and keeping most of the possession. Great forward running and some ear-ly marauding running from a mobile forward pack. With some regular attacks and excellent line-out opportunities Chiltern did have early opportunity to take an early lead. Unfortunately, that was not to be and by the 15th minute the Vikings were finding their feet with more possession and territory. With an increasing focus on defence the 1st half consisted of 2 penalties to North Walsham and 1 penalty to A&C. No tries and a very even half. H/T (6 - 3) and A&C with a 2nd half down a slight slope.

Against the script 3 Vikings then seemed intent on running as fast as they possibly could. For 20 mins all 3 were intense, especially their man of the match, a very quick full-back. The first try came from some hard work by the forwards with a score under the posts. The 2 backs then ran through our defence, one in the corner and another through the middle. Some decent conversions and a gap that was too much to reduce.

No bonus points and a final whistle blown when A&C had won a line out on the Walsham 5 m line. Too little too late. Full time (26 - 3)

Next week - on the road again to the re-arranged fixture against 4th place Old Northamptonians. All to play for and hopefully lessons learned. We go again!!!! See you there.

Team - 1. Razvan Dranca 2. Chris Joyce 3. Max Morphey 4. Doug McGregor-Smith 5. Jacques O’Driscoll 6. Andrew Toole 7. Jordan Scott (C) 8. Kazeem Olayinka 9. Ben Harris 10. Dan Kingsley 11. Noah Jarvis 12. Tom Fassett 13. Josh Fisher 14. James Morrison 15. Ben Pothe-cary 16. Charlie Swerling 17. Ryan Kinsella 18. Tim Hayes.