Southwold 14-11 West Norfolk
12th April 2014
Match Report written by Anthony Bohncke
This past Saturday saw Southwold play their last league game of the season, against the team who already had been promoted, West Norfolk.
Southwold knew concentration would be key in order to win, and tackles had to be made to prevent the West Norfolk team getting on top.
The first half was a bit of stalemate with neither team, taking control. For Southwold, the forwards were working hard in making tackles and stopping the West Norfolk team. At the Line out Ben Hadingham was trying to secure ball from Southwold’s own lineout and steal some of West Norfolk's. Southwold also had the dominant scrum which was able to push the West Norfolk forwards backwards. In the backs, Elliot McDaniel was putting delightful kicks into the West Norfolk 22 to keep them on the back foot. For the majority of the first half it was Southwold who looked the better side, but without the real threat of crossing the West Norfolk line
When West Norfolk did have possession they looked threated with quick recycled ball putting them on the front foot, but this was soon stopped by good tackling from Southwold. As the first half went on Southwold were able to get into more forward position and create more chances, this lead to West Norfolk conceding a penalty and Chippy Middleditch taking advantage, 3-0 to Southwold.
From the restart West Norfolk looked dangerous and were playing quick rugby, getting the Southwold team on the back foot, this lead to a penalty being conceded by the Southwold team in their own 22. West Norfolk levelled the scores for the tee, 3-3.
After this Southwold came back fighting and looking for chances to score. Southwold were able to keep possession and territory, this again lead to West Norfolk conceding a penalty at the breakdown. Chippy Middleditch was able to take the three points on offer on the stroke of half time, to give Southwold a half time lead of 6-3.
Southwold were thrilled to go in to half time with the lead, but they knew they had to work very hard to maintain it and win the game. The message was too keep working hard, because West Norfolk were sure to come back fighting.
The second half start with West Norfolk having the possession and territory in their favour, but strong defence from Southwold prevented them from creating chances. For a long period the West Norfolk team were camped in the Southwold half. The pressure from West Norfolk continued until, a superb turnover enabled Pete Holmes to sprint away with the ball, and he was able to run up to the West Norfolk 22, before passing the ball to Tom Sutton who was sprinting up in support. Tom collect the ball, and was able to dive over and score. 11-3 to Southwold, excellent team play from Southwold!
From this score, West Norfolk needed to come back fighting and they were to set up rucks to get them further up the field. The pressure lead to Southwold conceded a penalty and the West Norfolk reduced Southwold’s lead to 11-6.
These three points gave new life to the West Norfolk side, and they were able to make progress up field again. West Norfolk had possession but great defence from Southwold prevented them from scoring until they were able to expose the blind side and score in the corner, 11-11.
This try levelled scores up and the game was anxiously posed. West Norfolk were the team with possession and control until, James Hall was able to sprint clear and relive some pressure. A number of phases later Southwold were able to earn themselves a penalty and Chippy Middleditch stroked it over to give Southwold the lead again, 14-11.
The final phases of the game were nervous, but played in the centre of field with no danger to the Southwold line. Southwold were able to see the game out for a fantastic victory.
This result epitomises Southwold’s form since the turn of the year, full credit to everyone who has trained and Alistair Butler and Nigel Webb’s hard work in training. Let’s take this into pre-season and keep building ahead of the start of the new season in September.
Southwold have one more match, the annual Pony Moore away at Beccles on the 26th April.