Arms almost wrestle Pirates

Norfolk travelled to Pulborough for their first league game of 2015. Its fair to state that they are the team to beat this season and play at theirs was always going to be a tough call.
With a few players out of their usual positions and playing into a fierce wind for the first 40 the game got off to a canter, only slowed by some handling that was always going to struggle in the conditions. Norfolk defended well and they had to with the majority of the play being in their own half - as much to do with the wind, as kicking up the field was hard to do - and Pulborough looking to throw everything at us. Sadly we were unable to hold out for the whole 40 and conceded two very well worked tries, one converted giving a half time score of 12-0.
Second half and with the wind on our backs it was our turn to camp in the Pulborough half. Pulborough were well practiced at defending their lines at any costs. The referee warned both teams about persistent offences.
Norfolk were pressing hard to the try line and after 4 quick penalties, the referee gave us a penalty try. Sadly Andrew Whatley's conversion was charged down. This frustrating defence (penalty after penalty) was the story of the half. Pulborough had a total of 4 players sin binned to our one (Tom Hoare). then Pulborough scored a break away try. 19-5. Last ten minutes and it was all Red, finally Matthew Hodson dotted down from the back of a rolling maul, Andrew Whatley dutifully kicking the conversion.
Final score 19-12.

Given the result at ours early in the season, this was always going to be a tough test and I am certain that the result would have been gladly taken if offered before the game, but after the performance on the pitch we were so very close to winning this and now a little frustrated at a missed opportunity.

Well played to all.