Norwich vs Woodford

Woodford Extend Winning Streak to Four Games to Seal Stay in London 2N

Norwich 8 Woodford 24

Saturday 31st March 2007 KO 3PM

This was billed as a must win game for both these relegation threatened sides and Norwich apparently ‘targeted’ this game for a victory, bringing back a number of players who have been unavailable for large parts of the season. With a big crowd to cheer them on, Norwich started the game in confident mood, making light work of Woodford’s pack and driving them fully 40 metres from a lineout. Woodford defended their line with excellence and repelled the first wave of the Norwich attack. However, Woodford could not hold out for long and the Norwich scrum half took advantage of a mix up at the back of a Woodford scrum to dot down. The conversion was missed but Norwich had shown their intentions and were looking strong.

Woodford were unable to get into the game and when back row man, Joe Green was sent to the bin, Norwich looked set to dominate. It was not to be though as Norwich looked to cheap shots instead of playing the rugby that had got them into the lead. A particularly nasty incident saw hooker Froud sent to the sideline with a broken nose. Fortunately for Norwich the referee was unsighted otherwise the only option would have been for the Norwich second row Leake to be shown red.

This incident seemed to galvanise the Woodford pack who now threw everything at Norwich who to their credit defended superbly, making last ditch tackles and forcing turnovers when it seemed Woodford were going to score. Norwich went into half time with a 5-0 lead and had shown great resilience to keep Woodford out and when they were awarded an early second half penalty, their outside centre knocked it over with nonchalance to give Norwich a deserved 8-0 lead. Woodford had to somehow get themselves back in the game or face the almost impossible task of having to beat Civil Service to stay in the league. Skipper Dwight missed with two penalty chances but Woodford were showing signs of getting back into the game and their first try came from a 25 metre driven lineout, with prop Eleftheriou taking the spoils.

Woodford then produced the move of the match that saw Jolly score under the posts. A lovely pass from Dwight allowed Barrett to make a superb outside break before drawing the fullback to give Jolly and unopposed run to the line. Woodford were now dominant in the scrum and when Norwich were shoved off their own ball, number 8 Cobble sniffed out the line to score in the corner. A set move from the scrum saw Cobble play a neat one two with Niall Moody for the talismanic number 8 to get over the line by a nose for his second try of the day to seal a memorable victory for the Highams men.

The trip home was an interesting one and Judge Dwight held a court that brought both pleasure and pain in the form of Asda brand Cava and Pernod for the days heroes and villains (Ronnie Cobble was deservedly given both).

Norwich can still remain in the league but face a difficult trip to Twickenham and have to hope that St Albans beat Letchworth on the final day in two weeks time. Woodford face Civil Service who have all but won the league – they are two points ahead of closet rivals Tring and have a two hundred point’s difference advantage over them “aswell”. The game kicks off at 3pm on the 14th April at the Highams in what promises to be a day for champagne "Spanghero" rugby.

Woodford From 1 to 15

Eleftheriou, Froud, Kaiser, B Williams, Gooday, Phillipson, Green, Cobble, N Williams, Dwight (C), Jolly, Moody, Barrett, Bevan, Luggeri. Subs not used Mullins, Newberry, Cruddace