Sep 24 - LNE3 Norwich (H)

L 11 - 32 Report Attached

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Report

Norwich gained revenge for their defeat in the corresponding fixture last year with what turned out to be a comprehensive defeat of a Wymondham side that proved unable to capitalise on periods of pressure which could have changed the whole complexion of the match.

Norwich signalled their intention to shake off last week’s lethargic display when Cartwright went over out wide for a try after only 4 minutes with Rob Micklethwaite failing to convert.

James Wyatt t kicked a penalty for the home team and Wymondham mounted a sustained assault on the Norwich line before a breakout led to Micklethwaite relieving the pressure with a penalty for Norwich at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw Wyatt kick a penalty, taking the score to 8-6, but then, with Wymondham forcing a series of mistakes from Norwich, he narrowly missed three other difficult attempts.

The Norwich scrum half, Sawford, was forced off with a chest injury and then both Cartwright and Leake were sin binned by the referee. The usual benefit of playing fewer opponents did not materialise with one promising Wymondham surge brought to a halt when David Micklethwaite demonstrated his tackling prowess on a player twice his size. However the game had been relatively even and Wymondham were unlucky to be behind just before half time.

Norwich then found that playing with only 13 players suited their style scoring a try by Rob Micklethwaite, converted by O’Brien, at the end of the first half and then another try by O’Brien, which he converted, at the beginning of the second.

With all their players back on the pitch Norwich were beginning to take control but, after a penalty from O’Brien, the Wymondham pack drove David Blake over for a try at the end of the third quarter which was not converted.

Norwich dominated the fourth quarter camping on the Wymondham line for much of the time. Stout Wymondham defence kept them from crossing the line until the 36^th minute when Norwich captain Wheater scored the bonus point try which O’Brien converted.

Norwich will reflect on a job well done, while Wymondham must learn quickly to convert pressure into points and improve their first up tackling if they are to progress in this league.

Pre-view

Wymondham entertain Norwich at Tuttles Lane on Saturday for only the second time in their forty year history. The two meetings last season ended with honours even with each side winning their home match although Wymondham’s home win, late in the season, was, arguably, the pivotal result for both teams as the points helped Wymondham retain their place in LNE3 and dealt a major blow to Norwich’s hopes of promotion.

This season has seen both teams win one and lose the other of their opening two matches while the number of points scored and conceded in all the matches suggest that open rugby is the order of the day.

Wymondham Chairman, John Mackay, commented that, although there was still plenty of work for the coaches to do, he was pleased with his team’s start and delighted to see young players coming into the Senior teams from the highly regarded youth system and, also, an influx of players returning to the Club having been away at university or travelling the world.

Wymondham Head Coaches Turner and Loveridge have been pleased with the effort and team spirit which has been demonstrated in their opening matches and are beginning to see the rewards for the hard work put into tactical planning and physical fitness during their first pre-season in charge; they know that they will be in for a stiff test against Norwich, who will not want to lose to another local rival after their heavy home defeat against Holt last week.

Wymondham have a number of key players struggling with minor injuries and will probably have to wait until after Thursday training to finalise their team although it looks likely that, once again, they will have a mixture of young, home-grown, talent with some older heads to add experience.

With a pre-match lunch and the anticipation of a local derby, Wymondham expect a large crowd and great atmosphere.

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