North Walsham Vikings rugby club secured a dramatic away win over Sevenoaks, with a final scoreline of 23-24.

The scoreline reflected how tight it was, yet hides the drama that unfolded in the latter stages concluding with Matt Hodgson kicking a last-minute 40-metre penalty that went over via a post.

Having led by a point from the 57th minute, it looked over when, with six minutes left, a penalty gave Sevenoaks a 23 -21 lead.

The hosts then pinned the Vikings in their half but, down to 14, a massive defensive effort prevailed before with two minutes left Fethney carried 25 metres from a scrum on their line.

They kept the move going, Sevenoaks infringed and up stepped the captain to secure the victory.

A win on 15th April over Rochford, whom they lead by a point, should keep them in the National Leagues.

The Vikings led after four minutes through a Fethney try, converted by Hodgson. Sevenoaks responded with two tries, one converted: 12 – 7 after ten minutes.

Between these scores the visitors barely touched the ball,but they bounced back, the forwards with Clarke, Holmwood and TaxAssist Accountants Man of the Match Fethney in the vanguard, regularly puncturing Sevenoaks’ defence.

The host’s dominance continued after halftime but the Vikings’ defence was sound before in the fiftieth minute Sevenoaks kicked a penalty.

The visitors then enjoyed a brief offensive spell culminating in a converted try.

Hodgson made a break, the evergreen Oakes expertly drew his man and Dudley scored: 20 – 21, just over a quarter of the match left.

Moments later Dudley made a memorable try, saving a tackle two metres out. Thereafter most action was in Vikings’ territory, the penalty count mounting.

Two Sevenoaks penalties in two minutes went wide before a change of kicker did the trick prior to the later drama.