WAY back in September, North Walsham, having suffered defeat in their first two league games, were delighted to come away from Jersey with a draw and the expectation was that this point would kick-start their season.

WAY back in September, North Walsham, having suffered defeat in their first two league games, were delighted to come away from Jersey with a draw and the expectation was that this point would kick-start their season.

But until the last three weeks it has been a hard slog with marginal success. But just recently the corner appears to have been turned, and although a couple of the results have been by a single point the confidence is back.

The Raiders were grateful for a game against Norwich 1st XV and were delighted to come away with a 17-all draw having clawed back a 12-point deficit.

They will face Southend on Saturday and on Sunday the club has to fulfil a Woodforde's Norfolk Cup semi-final at Beccles (2.30pm kick off) and the side is likely to be a composite selection of first and second team players.

The Warriors, who had a resounding 38-8 win at Dereham, visit Wisbech in the Merit Table.

North Walsham Vikings 12, Old Albanians 6

THE Vikings racked up their third successive win, a feat not achieved for over three years.

In doing so they overturned an Old Albanians side that had already beaten them twice this season. In performance terms alone this was a total contrast to those previous meetings - this time they oozed self belief and contested every minute.

The visitors went ahead when Richard Gregg converted a penalty. Both sides lost a player following a clash of heads, Adie Ball needing hospital treatment.

Denied a possible penalty try Walsham levelled with a penalty from Iain Young.

The visitors looked dangerous at the start of the new half. The Walsham pack was competing well with the much heavier and more experienced OAs eight for whom skipper Gregg Botterman was a huge influence, in the set scrums but without two recognised jumpers the line-outs were scrappy. Around the fringes however the Vikings back row of Godwin, Howlett and Sokia were tireless in defence and attack.

Following a succession of offences at the breakdown Clifford slotted one chance over but pulled the second wide.

The visitors levelled with a penalty by Sam Stanley.

In the last 10 minutes a Clifford penalty restored the lead.

Godwin came close to crossing the line but it was a third successful penalty from Clifford that finally sealed the win.