Norwich Union II (34) v Lowestoft & Yarmouth III (31)
After a few false turns L&Y III’s finally made it to the Norwich Union ground, it had been prearranged that the game would kick off as early as possible to allow both teams time to watch the England game. This however, backfired for L&Y who after a very brief warm up found themselves 3 tries down in the first 20 minutes. A valuable lesson learnt that time must be spent before the game warming up and making sure we are ready to start at kick off.
Weak tackling had been the main reason that the Norwich Union number 8 and their quick outside centre had been able to control the game. L&Y finally woke up and began to holt Union’s progress with some fine tackling and counter rucking which enabled L&Y to get a hold on the game.
From such a turnover L&Y produced their first try of the game scored by Winney, converted in very difficult conditions by Chris Burt who had an excellent game throughout.
L&Y had taken a full squad to Norwich Union and these changes proved beneficial with the introduction of Dan Lawrence, Callan Barber and Tex Colby seemed to focus the L&Y pack, who began to dominate the game at the breakdown. Half time saw Norwich Union in front on the score board but L&Y controlling more and more of the game.
More changes at half time saw Chris Burt move to 10 and Kieran Baldry come on at 9 after only 2 minutes of play Kieran was harshly dealt with by the referee receiving a yellow card for raking. Norwich Union scored from the resulting penalty but this galvanised L & Y further. From the kick off a flowing move out to the right saw Sam Dilley take the final pass and score out wide. Unluckily the conversion hit the post.
Still playing with 14 men, L &Y continued to pressure and L&Y old boy, Sam Jermy, making a guest appearance used all his strength to break two tackles and score.
Skipper, Chris Mason, who had inspired the side with his direct style in attack and defence was the next L&Y player to score managing to touch down in front of the posts allowing the conversion to be successful. This bought the score to 29-24 to Norwich Union.
A lovely flowing move involving Chris Burt and Darren Foiret saw Ethan Harrowven, who had by far his best game for the club, rounding off a perfect performance by outrunning the Union cover to score from his own half, again converted by Chris Burt taking L&Y into the lead for the first time in the game.
From the restart a rejuvenated Norwich Union spent the last 8 minutes of the game camped on L&Y’s 5 metre line, special mention must go to Charlie Norman and Ollie Reed, two youngsters playing the front row who were outstanding throughout the whole game against a far bigger Union pack.
The whole team should be commended for the way they defended in those last 8 minutes but continued Union recycling saw them score with the last play of the game making the final score 34-31.
All players involved deserve great credit for the way they recovered from a shocking start to the game and did themselves and the club proud which their performance in the final hour.
Next week sees L&Y III’s away at Wymondham.