Resurgent Vikings forge an outpost fortress
NORTH Walsham boss James Knight says the club’s remote location has helped forge a strong bond among the Vikings squad and played a key role in their recent promotion.
The picturesque market town lies in the east Norfolk countryside, 15 miles north of Norwich with its rugby club at the centre of local life. The town recently celebrated when the Vikings took an unassailable 24-point lead at the top of London 1 North.
The club, which competed in the National Leagues for 18 seasons until 2008, have enjoyed a resurgence in recent years under outgoing head of rugby Johnny Marsters.
“We got a few celebrations in before lockdown hit,” said Knight. “We had games to go, but luckily, we’d already got it done so I was always confident we would get promoted. That took a little bit of stress out.”
Knight, who was recently appointed fulltime director of rugby, says the town’s location has bred a sense of community.
“We’re a really tight group. We’re in the middle of absolutely nowhere, so people have grown up together and been friends for a long time. We work really hard. We believe that if we do that and prepare well, then we’ve got a chance of beating anyone.”
The club’s emphasis on local talent has paid off, says Knight. Youngsters that come into the first team are prepared to fight for each other because they have grown up together.
“About 85/90 per cent of the squad are local players that have either been in the mini or youth age groups or University of East Anglia students that have moved to the area. We don’t bring anyone in. Just local boys that are very close.
“The club’s a big part of our community. It means a lot to people and to all the boys. It does make it a bit extra special.”
Knight, 31, debuted for the Vikings aged 17 having started in the minis. Capped by Scotland in age group rugby, he played professionally for three years in the Championship with Bedford, before stints in Australia, Spain and Scotland. He returned to Norfolk in 2012-13 where he has been integral as a senior coach and player to the Vikings’ progression.