Fine battling by Watton

WATTON RFC recorded another defeat in Norfolk Merit League One this week, losing 35-5 to hosts West Norfolk.But if points were awarded for effort the Red and Black Army would have won by a landslide.

WATTON RFC recorded another defeat in Norfolk Merit League One this week, losing 35-5 to hosts West Norfolk.

But if points were awarded for effort the Red and Black Army would have won by a landslide.

They travelled with 14 players which put them on the back foot before the kick-off, with two players out of position and one light in the back row.

Wests scored a converted try straight from the kick-off as Watton's defence looked as though they were still in the changing room.

Harsh words from skipper Walker seemed to kick-start the Watton side, who then spent the next 20 minutes camped in the Wests 22.

The King's Lynn side made the numerical advantage count with two quick tries, both breakaway efforts before half-time, with both converted.

At this point the Watton heads could have dropped but they kept mounting attack after attack through the forwards.

Barre and Paul Green began a set of pick and drives that took the Red and Blacks from their own 22 to the Wests 22 but couldn't get that elusive touchdown.

Watton then lost Everitt who was knocked out after a clash of heads, taking Watton down to 13. Again Watton could have laid down and accepted the inevitable but like a wounded animal they returned in a frenzy, creating wave after wave of attack.

Wests managed to clear their lines and, for the brief time they were in the Watton half, managed to come away with two converted tries.

Watton got the ball back into the Wests half through a turnover by Scott which set up a line-out in the Wests 22, Bayley got the steal and the platform was created for Barre to drive over for a consolation score.

Not the result needed but in other ways a definite victory.