SWAFFHAM RFC missed out on two points as they were turned over on their home turf on Saturday by Southwold 12-0. This week Swaffham travel to Ipswich YMCA, eager to claim points on the road.

SWAFFHAM RFC missed out on two points as they were turned over on their home turf on Saturday by Southwold 12-0.

This week Swaffham travel to Ipswich YMCA, eager to claim points on the road.

Coastal rivals Southwold, who twice fell victim to Swaffham last season, arrived full of intent and overcame a gutsy Swaffham to go top of the table.

An early score caught Swaffham out as tackles were missed around the fringes of a breakdown, and a solo effort from the 22m line saw Southwold over.

It was converted so the visitors had a 7-0 lead in the first two minutes.

The re-start from fly-half Impey was hounded down by pace man Hamilton and the Swaffham pack.

Pressure was applied as Swaffham desperately sought points, and a good spell of possession ensued.

Inside-centre Barnard made inroads into the Southwold defence, while outside him Taylor and Sparks also made ground.

But as attack after attack was thwarted, the momentum swung back to Southwold.

A good move incorporating the entire Southwold back line saw them round the Swaffham defence for the second score, not converted.

After half-time Swaffham knew they had a good chance of regaining the lost ground and mounting an attack on Southwold's lead.

Lines was brought on at full-back, as Sparks moved to scrum-half to replace the injured J Palmer.

The scrum was much improved, and with skipper Chamberlain and Tic-Tac Murray in the powerhouse it provided the platform for Swaffham's best attack of the day as the ball was swept towards Hamilton on the wing and he made good ground, the pack supporting well.

A penalty was awarded Swaffham's way and a sensational maul followed the ensuing line-out.

Working their way to the line, the Swaffham pack thwarted the attempts of Southwold to bring them down. Unfortunately the ball was snaffled by Southwold just metres before their line and the ball was cleared but Swaffham still attacked, hitting rucks and worrying the defence with a series of sniping attacks, in particular from Gunnell, James and M Taylor.

The line was to hold firm however, and Southwold ended victors after a scoreless second half.

Swaffham MoM was second-row Murray who worked hard.