Once again Norwich Vikings were victorious. We were away to Bury St Edmunds but not on their pitch but at Thurston Rugby Club as there was no room at the Bury Inn.
The rain didn’t damped our spirits in a tough contest, with a clear clash of styles.
Norwich Vikings dominated territory in the opening quarter and applied sustained pressure, but failed to convert several good chances. The main issue for was poor ball retention at the ruck.
Bury, despite having a smaller forward pack, were exceptionally quick into jackals and punished any slow arrival or inaccurate clear‑out with excellent breakdown technique.
With ball in hand, Bury moved it well and retained possession in patches, but they were unable to make decisive breaks or impose themselves in the tighter exchanges.
Norwich Vikings took control in the second quarter, scoring twice from set‑piece launch plays. They exploited the extra space set piece provides, showing good attacking shape, intent to attack space, deception, and strong running lines to create and finish both opportunities.
By the third quarter, Norwich Vikings had established more parity at the breakdown and were finally able to play multi‑phase rugby. After sustained pressure in the Bury 22, Norwich Vikings forced a penalty. Quick thinking from the tap, followed by sharp passing, produced a third try.
Bury responded with a well‑worked score of their own, setting up a competitive final quarter in which both sides traded tries.
After some easier matches in the early fixtures of the season, this was precisely the test this relatively new team needed and one they ultimately passed.
Report – Emma Allen
