Congratulations to Arron Eagle, Michael Stickland and Joe Norman who were selected to play for Norfolk Under 20’s on Sunday 7th November 2010 at Thetford RFC against Suffolk. Match report below.

NORFOLK 5 – 20 SUFFOLK

Norfolk kicked off to start this match under a cloudless sky but in cold weather at the Thetford Rugby Club on Sunday afternoon. The game attracted a good crowd that included Bob Cranna the Chairman of Eastern Counties Rugby Union.

Norfolk were quickly surprised by Suffolk when Sam Bixby from the Sudbury Club secured three points from a penalty after only five minutes of play. From the resumption Suffolk absorbed the Norfolk pressure and with 13 minutes on the clock they struck again with a second Bixby penalty.

The game had started well for the visitors but the solid Norfolk pack began to push their Suffolk counterparts backwards giving the Norfolk threequarters space to complete some probing runs. After 20 minutes, following formidable forward play, Norfolk were able to score an unconverted try in the corner that reduced the Suffolk lead to only one point.

Suffolk retaliated with their backs taking the ball towards the Norfolk line. A penalty led to a line out five metres out that was dominated by the Ipswich lock Michael Graham. Unfortunately Ipswich had not at that stage developed a fluid style and they failed to take advantage.

Towards the end of the half a knock on by the Norfolk full back put the home team under pressure on their 22 but again Suffolk lacked penetration. At that stage Shaun Smith the Sudbury winger was brought on and he immediately showed his strength. This was matched by Dan Garrard the Sudbury winger who produced a piercing run. Under this pressure the Norfolk defence conceded a line out five metres from the try line. At the throw in the ball was taken again by Michael Graham and for the first time the pack developed full power to produce a push over try on the stroke of half time that was converted by Sam Bixby. The half ended with Suffolk leading by 13 points to 5.

The second half began with Suffolk showing greater confidence pushing into the Norfolk half. However, the Norfolk forwards rallied producing a period of strong play slowly taking the ball down the length of the pitch in a move that was thwarted when a penalty was conceded. Subsequently a lucky bounce allowed Norfolk to take the game again to their opponents when on a breakaway a certain try was denied by a desperate tackle from the Suffolk defence. Panic in the Suffolk ranks grew when a kick out of defence was charged down. Norfolk were in the ascendency with their pack again pushing Suffolk backwards. This stage of play was only halted when the Suffolk backs took the game forward again by using their good hands to develop fast running play. There was good running from Suffolk matched by equally good tackling from Norfolk. Eventually Suffolk were awarded a kickable penalty but the opportunity was squandered when the ball was run into trouble.

Suffolk were exerting significant pressure and taking territorial advantage. An initiative by Suffolk’s Lee Barton was only held up by a determined Norfolk tackle. Finally, with only five minutes remaining Jacob Bodkin from the Woodbridge Club darted through to score a try that he converted himself thus extending the visitors tally to 20 points.

At the end Norfolk were down to 14 men following a case of blatant obstruction. However, to their credit Norfolk never gave up and the game finished with their efforts showing in the steam rising from their players. For their part Suffolk will be disappointed that their territorial advantage had not resulted in a greater points tally although they will be totally satisfied having beaten an old rival.

Andy Wilesmith the Suffolk Coach was pleased to nominate Dan Garrard from Stowmarket as “man of the match”. Andy expressed his satisfaction with the result. He says that participation at this level will help his players develop their rugby skills to the benefit of the Club game. He also believes that for those players who wish to progress a pathway has been opened that could lead to representative rugby with the Eastern Counties and no one knows where this ambition may end.