This match is the most interesting game of L&Y's season so far. On the face of it, the critics don't expect a result as North Walsham Raiders have strolled through everyone in the league so far, but nevertheless the L&Y team have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

As a club North Walsham have much to admire, having developed a great ethos over a relatively short lifespan which has taken them, after many years of trying, into the National leagues as Norfolk's premier club. In order to sustain their status, as with any club, their 2ndXV needs to be very competitive with players pushing the 1stXV for their places. Often this does not happen, but this season a number of players have moved to Walsham to try for a chance at the National Divisions so the Raiders have benefitted from players that are either moving up into the 1stXV or even down from the 1stXV due to injury or form. That creates its own problems in that their reputation precedes them, fixtures are being called off and matches are hard to come by. They have not played a match since November.

The Raiders have already won the league and the RFU have wisely now decided to allow them to be promoted this year. A ridiculous rule did mean that they had to stay at a certain level below their 1stXV, but arguably the county needs them playing higher in order to maintain a Norfolk presence in the Nationals. They almost beat Holt who are the outstanding team in London 3NE. Four of their league matches were walkovers as clubs called off scared. L&Y themselves lost 120-0 at Scottow back in September in the first league game of the season, as the Raiders averaged over 100-points a game in their first four matches.

This might sound depressing, however L&Y have had a resurgence of their own, having won their last 5 matches handsomely, revenging two big losses along the way against Diss and Wymondham. The L&Y team has matured immensely, with a much tighter front five, a balanced back row, control from the half-backs and pace out wide. More than that, they are enjoying their rugby under the watchful eye of new Head Coach Richard Henwood and Kiwi captain Ray Hauraki, plus a raft of assistants and senior players. They are now very keen to show that the earlier loss was a watershed moment in their development and, rather than running scared and calling off the match as others have, they are all intent on gauging their improvement in the best possible way and putting on a good show. There are no expectations.

There is another reason to give their best efforts as the recent run of form has meant L&Y are now back in the hunt for 2nd place in the league. With a chance of two teams going up at the end of the year, Wymondham IIs, Beccles and L&Y all have a chance if the results fall their way. It may come down to points difference or even the odd bonus point, so this weeks result and the game against Beccles on the 29th are crucial. A win against the Raiders would be huge. A draw, bonus point loss or four-try bonus would be almost as welcome. All they need to do now is keep their cool, treat it like another game, believe in their collective and individual skill, and play their hearts out. Nothing to lose, everything to gain.

It's a 2.00pm kick off at Gunton Park, Saturday 15th January 2022. The bar will be open, the welcome warm, and entry is free.