Depleted Swaffham take on Watton

HEAVILY outnumbered and against all odds, Swaffham Rugby Club's second XV took on local rivals, Watton at North Pickenham Road on Saturday.In their second pre-season trial game while Swaffham consistently had the edge on set pieces, Watton dominated the first half thanks to their sterling performance in open field play.

HEAVILY outnumbered and against all odds, Swaffham Rugby Club's second XV took on local rivals, Watton at North Pickenham Road on Saturday.

In their second pre-season trial game while Swaffham consistently had the edge on set pieces, Watton dominated the first half thanks to their sterling performance in open field play.

This resulted in two Watton tries by half-time, bringing the score to 0-12.

As the second half kicked off, Watton fielded an almost entirely fresh team, as they had visited with 31 players, however Swaffham weren't ready to roll over and give in yet.

With their position as underdogs well established, Swaffham did what they do best and fought back from a seemingly impossible position, feeding off the pressure as they always do, as if it were a source of nourishment.

Swaffham scored two tries of their own, one converted while the other was deflected by a flying Watton torso, however those 12 points weren't enough to equalise the score as Watton landed one more try to bring the final score to Swaffham 12, Watton 18.

While Swaffham's second XV fought valiantly at home to defend the town's honour, their first XV travelled to Cambridge to compete in and win the Heineken Tens tournament.

Next weekend sees Swaffham's first XV at home to Mildenhall, while the seconds travel to Southwold for their first league game of the season.