THE newly-formed Benfleet Vikings are hoping to become a rugby force to be reckoned with.

The team were put together by director of rugby Adrian Boyce.

And he hopes to be able to help produce more talented players to follow in the foot-steps of the region’s Premiership players Jackson Wray and Max Crumpton.

“I started Vikings as I felt we have had some great talent here,” said Boyce.

“The likes of Jackson and Max had great support from their parents to get them to the clubs they were at but who knows who could pop up in the future.

“We have great primary and secondary feeder schools who all engage in rugby in one way or the other and, although it’s obviously still early days, it’s going well at the moment.”

Vikings are also impressing on the pitch with their first team winning their opening two games of the season in Merit Table Four.

The first of those came again Witham at Benfleet’s Richmond Park.

Father Leslie Drake from St Mary’s Church blessed the pitch before kick-off.

And Saracens star Wray, who is also Vikings’ club president, was another star guest along with the RFU’s Matt Bray as Benfleet battled hard to come out on top.

“It was a good first game and we scored nine tries and five conversions, which was excellent,” said Boyce.

“We also had great support from players in our mini and youth sides as well as our parents.

“There were also a few Benfleet people that stopped to watch while walking their dogs and using the park.

“It was all really pleasing but Witham unfortunately had to drop to 12 men through injuries, so in good sportsmanship we did the same.”

Vikings then followed that up with a 24-10 triumph against Kings Cross Steelers.

But Boyce is still keen for more people to get involved with the club.

“We are looking for players from six years old and upward regardless of ability or gender,” he stressed.

“We also need managers, first aiders and coaches.”

For more details contact the club on 07445 602986.