Jan 29 - North Walsham (H)

L  5 - 36  + W 24 - 12

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

BLACKS V North Walsham Photos CLICK HERE

Blacks L 5 - 36

It was obvious that Walsham were keen to avoid a 2nd loss to Trojansthis season when they arrived with a squad of 30 and asked to play the fixture as 3 x 20 minute periods. Trojans simple game plan of keep it in the forwards and away from Walsham's tallented backs fell to pieces as soon as Walsham applied pressure. Instead of keeping our hands on the ball we paniced and tried running it out of defence and gifted Walsham their first try. Not learning from our mistakes we did it again and again and again A disapointing 1st period ended 0-24.

To their credit Trojans listened to their coaches during the break and by sticking to the game plan made a more even contest and after several attempts to score from close in, including being held up over the line twice, we were able to force an unconverted try. Almost the next play saw Trojans back at the Walsham try line but unfortunately an unsupported run ended in a turn-over and a 90m run for the Walsham winger to touch downand level the score in the second period. 5-5

The final period followed a similar patern with Trojan forwards keeping the ball tight and Walsham backs pouncing on any mistake. Trojans continued to proved they have not mastered converting presure and territory into points. Again they were held up over the line and the only score of the period came again from Walsham's quick back line running from their own half leaving out defence just looking on.

Walsham were certainly on form and as ever difficult to play against. But credit to TROJANS for not letting the first period destroy them.

Final score 5 - 36  MVP Charlie Rowe

Crusaders Vs Reds W 12 - 24

A really good, competitive game this morning at Great Melton.  Whereas Crusaders had a full complement of strong forwards they were somewhat short in the backs, so Wymondham provided 5 additional players.

The game got off to a good start with Wymondham exerting early pressure but the Crusaders' defence held out.  The deadlock was broken and the first try was scored by Nicholas in the corner.  Wymondham continued to exert pressure and Jake made an excellent break to score from a long way out, converted by Ben.  More pressure ensued and despite some strong defence from Crusaders Hamish cleverly dodged over from a 5 metre scrum to score the third try.  Wymondham however, did not have it all their own way and after a strong forward drive up field Crusaders exerted good pressure which eventually resulted in a try just before half time.

After wholescale changes at half time the game continued and there followed a period of 20 minutes with no score, both teams running strongly but defences were well marshalled and held out.  The deadlock was broken with a breakout and long run by Jack M. who scored an excellent try.  Hamish nonchelantly dropped the ball over to add the extra two points.  In the dying minutes, Crusaders put in a big kick, deep into Wymondham's half and from the advantage gained, scored the final try of the game, which they converted.

All in all a great game played in good spirit and enjoyed by all.  It gave valuable game time to the less experienced Wymondham players who put in some strong performances.

MVP was awarded to Jake for his committment and strong running. Wymondham also won the boat race with another strong performance.