West 3rds travelled to Thetford in a crucial league encounter which really needed West to win if they were to keep their pressure up on Beccles at the top of the league.

Unfortunately, due to a last minute call off they travelled with 14 players. Thanks to Andy Frost who travelled back from Bristol that morning to play, showing commitment that is a credit to him and the Club. Heavy traffic meant that West started the game with 14 players and uncontested scrums from the outset which has always going to be a body blow to a side that looks to dominate all ball in the scrum. West’s problems were compounded when Thetford’s First team match was called off in the morning, leaving them the pick of 30 players to build a side.

West started strongly and showed excellent defence to limit Thetford to a 15 – 0 lead when Andy arrived. Almost up to strength West showed great tenacity in the pack, defending some strong runs with solid tackling. This was a 3rd team pack that featured a high percentage of youngsters and Billy Chilvers, Meatball, James Murray, Ed Kirk and Alex Daniels did not disappoint. The age and creaking bones were added by Stephenson, Alex Turner and Chris Rudd. West got themselves on the scoreboard through strong work from the pack following a charge down which was recycled by the Thetford scrum half, only for him to be driven and carried back over the line before being put to the ground allowing Meatball to grab the try.

The backs worked incredibly hard to cover, with the centre partnership of Goldie and Hinds covering acres of ground with Adam showing good pace to fill the inevitable gaps. Tom Bankart stepped up to scrum half and Ian Hollands made a welcome return at 10. The backs were under the cosh for much of the game but they were rewarded when Tom Bankart offloaded neatly to Adam who jinked to the outside then drove into contact, breaking the initial tackle before carrying over two tacklers to score his first try for West.

Half time saw West down by 2 tries and there was a glimmer of hope when they opened the scoring in the second half with the pack driving a beautiful rolling maul forwards over the line where Ed Kirk came up from the mass of bodies with the ball.

West defence resulted in at least one denied try where several Thetford forwards were held up over the line.

However, it couldn’t last and as Thetford brought on new stronger, younger legs, the war of attrition turned in their favour. West players took injuries during a keenly contested fixture with physicality from both sides and, as they were slowed, tackles were missed as players were unable to maintain their earlier pace and passion. By the end of the game, West had 14 players on the pitch, three of whom were walking wounded.

Thetford ran in a number of tries, several of which were converted to leave them winners by 50 – 15.

West look forward to entertaining UEA Trojans on Saturday in their first home game for many weeks. If they travel, it will be a very interesting game as West will need to get some weight and nous in to the pack to offset Trojans youth and speed.

Webmaster