The Saxons returned to Warners Bridge to host just their second home game of the Regional Anglia 2 campaign, as Norwich were the visitors. The Saxons came into this one following two good away wins, most recently last week at Saffron Walden, whilst the visitors made the long journey south following a heavy home loss the week before to Thurrock.
Norwich started brightly, playing through a number of attacking phases before earning a penalty on the Saxons 10 metre line. The visitors soon registered the first points of the afternoon as they opted to take the straight forward three and they were up and running. From the kick off the Saxons began to take control of the game, enjoying the bulk of possession and territory it was only a matter of time before their efforts were rewarded. Space was appearing and it was Tom Day who crossed the whitewash first, followed by an excellent touch line conversion by Ben Lloyd. The visitors made in roads soon after, some lapses in defence allowed Norwich easy access towards the Saxons 22 and once again the hosts were penalised at the break down. The sticks were pointed to by the visiting captain, but what followed was a truly magnificent try. The kick was missed, the 22 drop out was smartly taken short by Lloyd who found Kenward the hooker who then set Kalani Parkinson free to glide in from 60 metres. The Saxons were beginning to hit their straps, the attack looked blistering, confusion and space appearing in the visitor's defence, and it wasn't long before Lloyd and Vaughan extended the host's lead. The set piece was functioning well again, allowing the backs to play freely and on the front foot, Wagstaff was making dents in the visitors defensive line and was held up soon before the break, there was time though for Day to score the Saxons fifth of the half. 33-3 at the break.
The second half saw a debut for Tom Sly, it didn't take long for the new signing to impact the game getting his hands on the ball and looking dangerous from full back. The Saxons looked refreshed and hungry for more, gaps continued to appear as the hosts attacking shape looked organised and blisteringly sharp. Tries were being run in, most of which involved stand out hooker, John Kenward in some capacity. The number 2 had an excellent afternoon with and without the ball and rightfully deserved his player of the match award. Tries were being run in regularly, some brilliant attacking rugby on show for the spectators to enjoy. Second half tries from; Lloyd, Newton, Wagstaff (x2), Day (x4), Horton, Jones and a debut try for Sly lead the Saxons to a tally of 96. To the visitors credit they continued to play and crossed the line themselves to register their only try of the afternoon late on. Full time 96-8.
There is no doubt about it, the Saxons mean business and since the opening day disappointment at Woodford, they have shown glimpses of some excellent rugby. Tough games lay ahead, starting with a first visit to Dagenham on 14th October. We hope to see as many of you there as possible to get behind the team.
