Unfortunately this keenly anticipated fixture was spoiled as a spectacle by the saturated playing surface, squally rain showers and the difficulty both sides had in keeping their feet at the breakdown, resulting in a very whistle heavy afternoon.
Wymondham repulsed early pressure from the home side before mounting an attack of their own, winning a penalty successfully converted by Bradley. Despite the conditions, which would traditionally suggest a stick it up your jumper style conservative game plan, both sides were attempting to play open rugby. Jermyn came close to breaking through following a clever inside pass from Cousens and Mustard very nearly profited from a deft Blackham chip to the corner. In defence Rodgers was tackling everything in a grey shirt. Wymondham continued to use their three quarters to threaten the home line before finally finding a way through. From a period of concerted pressure Cousens took play left, dragging the defence with him, before quick ruck ball fired right saw the rugged Girdler maori sidestep through two defenders before putting the supporting Bradley in for a beautifully crafted score which he also converted. It was shortly after this that Wymondham lost their highly influential skipper Kiddle to a serious leg injury. This disrupted their momentum and the half petered out with neither side able to mount any further serious threat save a lone West Norfolk penalty. Half time score 3 - 10.
The visitors started the second half in determined mood and quickly laid siege to the home line. Showing excellent patience and discipline they probed left then right with Airdrie and Cousens both going close before young Hughes demonstrated excellent footwork then explosive power to surge over, Bradley converting. At this point the weather deteriorated further and the game settled into a long period of stalemate with neither side able to sustain any real momentum. Bradley managed to land a long range penalty and at 3 - 20 just as it looked like the game was petering out Wests secured a lineout in the Wymondham 22, drove to the line and were awarded a penalty try when the maul collapsed. A player down and with Wests looking to capitalise the Wymondham defence showed its mettle and they gradually managed to wrestle back momentum to finish the game on the front foot.
Final score West Norfolk 10 Wymondham 20.
This was a pleasing if not pretty victory on the road against a stubborn and hard tackling opponent. Notable performances came from the ever improving Blackham who is forming a highly effective half back partnership with a rejuvenated Airdrie and the whole pack who worked tirelessly throughout. Mention must also be made of Kiddle, who has been a stand out forward during the first half of the season and who’s steadying hand on the tiller will be sorely missed during his absence. We wish him a successful and speedy recovery.
