Match Report: Southwold RFC 26 – 36 West Norfolk RFC
The Common, Southwold | Saturday 8th November

Southwold hosted unbeaten league leaders West Norfolk on The Common for what proved to be a fiercely contested and highly entertaining match on a mild November afternoon.

The game opened with early pressure from the visitors, but it was Wold who struck first — Tom Keeble reading play perfectly to intercept and race under the posts, with Luke Wade adding the extras for a 7–0 lead.

West Norfolk responded through their powerful pack, driving over from close range after a penalty to the corner to narrow the score to 7–5, before adding a second from another well-executed maul to edge ahead 12–7.

Wold hit back before the break, showing great forward control as Tom Gair finished a well-driven lineout maul to level the scores at 12–12. However, the league leaders struck again through a series of pick-and-go phases near the Wold line to take a 19–12 lead into halftime.

The second half began brightly for Southwold as Guy Blades pounced on a loose West Norfolk pass to sprint clear and score under the posts — Wade’s conversion tying the game once more at 19–19.

West Norfolk showed why they sit top of the table, responding quickly through slick handling to reclaim the lead at 26–19. Southwold’s dominance at the scrum continued to grow, and despite veteran prop Des Brett seeing yellow after a scuffle, Wold’s pack forced a penalty try to make it 26–26.

The final stages saw West Norfolk capitalise on quick, wide play from successive scrums, crossing twice more to secure a 36–26 victory.

While the result didn’t go Wold’s way, this was a performance full of heart, skill, and resilience — showing that Southwold can match any team in the division when at their best.

Earlier in the day, the 2nd XV produced a stunning display, defeating Lowestoft & Yarmouth 2s by 82–0, in a match highlighted by outstanding running rugby and excellent officiating from Gareth Bowker, who refereed his first senior game with great composure and control.

All told, it was a wonderful afternoon of rugby on The Common, capped off with the club gathering together to enjoy England vs Fiji in the clubhouse — a true celebration of community spirit and the game we love.

?? **Arn the Wold!**