Saturday was a landmark day at The Common as Southwold RFC hosted its first-ever Ladies and Men’s Double Header — a celebration of rugby, community, and the growing strength of the club.

The afternoon began with a superb performance from the Southwold Ladies, who battled their way to a hard-fought 35–10 victory, showing great determination and teamwork throughout. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd gathered for what was to be a memorable day of rugby.

Meanwhile, the 2nd XV continued their excellent start to the season away at Crusaders. Wold were in complete control at 33–0 when the match was brought to an early conclusion due to injuries within the home side — confirming a second win from two league games. A fantastic opening to their campaign and a credit to the depth across the squad.

Then came the main event — the 1st XV kicking off against North Walsham Raiders in front of a big home crowd. With a near full-strength side available for the first time this season, Wold delivered exactly the fast, clinical start the coaching team had been asking for.

The opening try came from a well-executed lineout and slick phases through the midfield, with Utting finishing smartly in the corner. Ryan Scollan’s break up the wing set up Sherard Block for the second, before a fine backs move sent George Turner over to make it 19–0.

Momentum was all with Southwold — Utting turned the ball over in the tackle and raced under the posts for his second, before a powerful maul saw Turner cross again from close range. A towering high kick from Charles Buckley and a big tackle from the returning Tom Keeble created another opportunity, with Buckley himself gathering to score and send Wold into the break leading 38–0.

The second half brought more of the same. A clever kick through from Hailey was regathered and offloaded to Utting for his hat-trick, before Scollan added another in the corner after sustained pressure. Blades and Barron combined beautifully for the next, with Barron finishing in the corner to make it 55–0.

North Walsham showed great spirit, hitting back with a try following a contested restart, before Wold responded through a driving maul finished off after a well-placed penalty from Wade. The visitors added a fine individual effort through George King, intercepting and juggling his way to the line, but the final act belonged to Utting, who capped a superb personal performance by kicking through and touching down to complete a 69–12 victory.

It was a performance full of pace, precision, and teamwork — exactly what Southwold’s growing home crowd had hoped for on such a special day. Credit to North Walsham for playing their part in an entertaining, spirited encounter that showcased the very best of community rugby.

A day to remember for everyone involved at the club — three strong results, great rugby, and a buzzing Common from start to finish.

Arn the Wold! ??