Norwich put together a more complete performance this week, to prevail over a tough and evenly matched Southwold side. The performance was built on a superb tackling display.
They could not have got off to a worse start though, as the kick off was fumbled in the wet and windy conditions which gave Southwold, playing with the breeze, a perfect attacking platform with their powerful scrum. They broke from the back and went over under the posts, converting it.
Norwich hit back with some good teamwork, slowly and patiently building an attack. Captain Ollie Marsters carried well and the ball was fed out to the right wing with Lewis Kenworthy going over in the corner. The kick was missed into the breeze.
Norwich conceded some soft penalties for offside and Southwold kicked to the corner and drove a maul towards the line from which they broke and scored. The conversion was timed out.
Norwich then shot themselves in the foot, within the Southwold 22, when a looping pass was intercepted and Southwold had a clear run to the line. Having failed to learn from their earlier error, the conversion was timed out again, wasting 6 easy points which would have earned them a fully justified losing bonus point.
After 30 minutes, Norwich lost Callum Van Staden to a hamstring injury and Jake Christian-Goss took over at 9.
Norwich scored a vital try on the stroke of half time with more good team play which ended with Oli Youngs carrying forward very well and offloading to Charlie Hawkins to finish. The conversion was missed with a 10:17 half time score.
As forecast, the wind and rain increased after half time and Norwich were first on the scoreboard. The used the wind to good effect and debutant Jimmy Craven charged down a kick 5 metres from the Southwold line, giving the hosts an excellent attacking position. Southwold conceded a penalty and Christian-Goss took it quickly and Marsters barrelled his way to the line. Lewis Kenworthy converted to level the scores.
Norwich scored again, having put in a good defensive shift under intense pressure and turned over the ball. A superb deep kick from Eddie Montgomery gave them good field position and Southwold suffered some discipline issues that put them on the back foot allowing Norwich to keep the pressure on, building patiently until Hawkins was able to go over for his second and Kenworthy converted.
Norwich’s final score came when when they kicked ahead towards the left touchline and the ball became loose on the ground, as the defender failed to gather it and Charlie Kerrison, following up, kicked it ahead. Matt Austin collected it and ran unopposed under the posts. Kenworthy added the conversion.
Southwold were never out of it though and enjoyed a period of pressure, built on Norwich penalties and kept hold of the ball, picking up and driving until they reached the line. The conversion was missed.
From the restart, Norwich didn’t allow Southwold out of their half and with time up, kicked the ball off the park with the final score 31:22.
