After last weekends loss in the semi final of The Sussex Plate to St. Francis and on the same pitch, this was always going to be an interesting fixture. As with the week before, Norfolk were light of players (just the 15) and St. Francis had a full bench - although all the new players they had gained for the Cup game weren't about this week? - that they would use fully.

The game was made up of two halves and got under way as is often the case with a kick off... passages of play are blurred into one another, but I do remember a moment of individual brilliance from Sam Frankland where he caught his own kick ahead and scored the first try of the day. Tim sadly missed the conversion (refusing to take advice from his kicking caddy on the touchline!). St Francis then woke up and a hard slog between the two teams ensued, Norfolk seemed to be having the better of it, but it was Saints that scored two soft tries, one converted within 20 minutes. Tim Laker closed the gap with a well placed penalty kick. 12-8 to Saints at Half Time.

A good chat at half time and agreement to change the game plan saw an impressive performance from NorfolK Arms. In short, we totally dominated the second half in all areas of the pitch. The pack were huge, half back, centre and outside partnerships gelled and the tries came. Firstly Andrew Whatley (whose mother was shocked to learn what he had been doing the night before!), then Mooey slid over like the angry mole, Karl Jackson skipped over in the corner and finally my man of the match Pete Hoare scored the last of them. Tim Laker added 3 more conversions giving a final score of 12-34 in our favour.

Upon reflection this was a great win, full of grit and determination coupled with a team wide understanding of shifting game patterns. In fact it was this shift in play that impressed me more, it showed a maturity and cohesion amongst all those present. Bloody well done...

Shoreham are coming to Steyning next Saturday, lets keep this up and head towards the end of the season with some good performances.