Hot work for Watton

Watton RFC travelled to West Norfolk II for this Merit League One fixture.

A hot day with bright sunshine would prove to make the fixture tough for both outfits with Watton eventually winning 10-5.

From the kick-off Watton surged into the home side territory.

Solid rucking secured possession as Watton attacked with gusto and good handling skills from the Watton backs brought play to the line.

Strong defence allowed West Norfolk to clear lines, but again Watton attacked and driving runs from Moxon at number eight brought play into the 22.

With a penalty awarded for a late tackle, Turnbull gave Watton a three-point early lead.

With Watton gaining more territory, the West pack foiled Watton's advances with a devastating scrummage, driving the visitors off the ball on several occasions, preventing any scoring opportunity.

This was short-lived as a clean, recycled ball and slick passing saw outside centre Triston Machell glide past a scrambling defensive line to touch down, with Turnbull converting again, bringing the half-time score to Watton 10, West Norfolk 0.

From the kick-off the home side made a better fist of things, retaining the ball to feed the backs, but this failed to have any effect as flanker Andy Fish terrorised the three-quarter line with a devastating display of tackling, supported by the Watton backs. Nevertheless, the home side continued to advance and with Watton rattled, a failed clearance kick gifted West winger a score as he ran through several would-be tacklers.

The try was unconverted, bringing the score to 5-0.

Ten minutes remained for West to press the advantage home, and excellent ball retention brought play into the Watton 22, but strong defence from the visitors held out as front row Mark Goodwin secured an untidy ball, allowing lines to be cleared. A well-deserved 5-10 victory for the travelling Watton side.