It was a disappointing result for the North Walsham Vikings rugby club on Saturday, losing a home game to Bury St Edmunds (12:47).

Recent improved form and the closeness of the September fixture meant there was cautious optimism in the camp ahead of this clash between Norfolk’s and Suffolk’s premier sides, but Bury dominated possession and territory throughout, scoring seven tries to two.

7 – 28 down at halftime the Vikings threatened a comeback early in the second half, but their efficient opponents soon quashed their hopes.

Bury was quickly into their stride moving the ball about crisply, consistently getting across the gain line.

North Norfolk News: A scene from the North Walsham Vikings v Bury St Edmunds rugby match.A scene from the North Walsham Vikings v Bury St Edmunds rugby match. (Image: Hywel Jones)

They controlled the early play, and by the time the game was a quarter gone they’d scored three converted tries to make it 0 -21, a fair reflection of play so far. The Vikings had barely got out of their half, were missing too many tackles, struggling at the set pieces and not protecting the ball.

On the half-hour Bury added another converted try before, with a minute to go to the break the Vikings, in only their second meaningful attack, scored.

A well-worked set lineout move saw Holmwood give the scoring pass for Sikorski’s tenth try of the season; Hodgson converted from the touchline.

The early part of the second half was the Vikings’ best period and fifteen minutes in came an outstanding try: Knight received the ball close to his line, spotted space and passed to Smith who raced 80 metres evading or outpacing five defenders.

Hodgson’s touchline conversion kick went agonisingly just wide.

Hopes of a comeback lasted just five minutes, Bury getting another converted try with 20 minutes left.

The final quarter was played almost exclusively in the host’s half, Bury scoring two more tries, one converted, in the last six minutes to complete their comprehensive victory.

“Just not good enough,” said coach James Knight.

“We’ll have to take a long hard look at ourselves, but we can bounce back.”

He declined to nominate a TaxAssist Accountants Man of the Match, saying “nobody deserved it.”

Next week it’s Tonbridge Juddians at home, a side with a similar overall record to Bury, but who have lost their last three.