Norfolk Arms wrestle leaves Barns Green with envy

Norfolk vs Barns Green is always a great game and Saturdays fixture was a cracker. The match was given a late go ahead following a closely debated pitch inspection that morning.

Barns Green arrived at Wiston full of enthusiasm having thrashed our other local rivals Pulborough just the other week, equally Norfolk Arms were looking heavier than normal with a forward dominated squad. Maybe this would be the telling factor as both teams would wrestle and wallow in the mud?

In short, we kicked off and dominated the early exchanges, we had beaten BG out of the gates and were rewarded early on with a well worked try from Andrew Whatley. Sadly the conversion was missed (not easy kicking conditions). Our elation did not last too long as BG gained control of the game and scored their first within 10 minutes and took the score to 5 - 5. They followed this soon afterwards with a soft try under our posts which was duly converted giving them a 5-12 lead after 30 minutes.
Norfolk then turned on the pressure and went back to some basic skill sets to march up the field a number of times before finally Richard Addy scored and Tim Laker converted. 12 a piece at the break.

Half time water, talks and the luxury of bringing on 3 fresh fatties in the pack and a clean pair of heels for the backs to play with gave Norfolk the extra edge as the second half got under way. The first scrum laid down our intent as it dominated and to be fair its almost a perfect 40 minutes of rugby from The Arms from that point on… Jez Stewart scored another try after about 10 minutes, soon after a stray fatty was mistakenly bought on to replace Tim at 10, oh wait its his brother Matty, its not often we play a fly half who has to wear a front row short! needless to say Norfolk carried on dominating most phases of play. Credit must be given to Barns Green who defended relentlessly through this period. With the possibility of a break out try it was with great relief that Matty Laker lumbered over the line in the last 10 minutes to make the game safe. 22 - 12 win and a good day for all.

A great squad performance. No one man stood out which is a testament to everyones performance.
We have Chichester at home in 2 weeks and will be asked a few questions by them.