Late fightback not enough as West Norfolk suffer first loss

West Norfolk’s long unbeaten record was ended at the 12th time of asking on a crisp December afternoon at Woodbridge.The team hit the road for a tough fixture against a well-drilled Woodbridge side.Memories of their earlier-season clash lingered and this time, the visitors were determined to deliver a performance more befitting of their table-topping credentials.However, the long coach journey seemed to cling to West Norfolk’s legs as they were pinned back deep in their own 22 from the outset.Woodbridge capitalised on early momentum, combining strong running with well-rehearsed backline moves to carve through a usually resolute West defence.Lacking their typical composure, West struggled to find any foothold in the game. Injuries to key players Alfie Woolcock and George Lemon further disrupted the visitors’ rhythm, and uncharacteristic mistakes saw opportunities slip through their fingers.By the time the half-time whistle blew, Woodbridge had raced to a deserved 19-0 lead, leaving West with an uphill battle. The second half saw a visibly fired-up West Norfolk side emerge with renewed determination. A powerful carry from Will ‘Moose’ Allen on the Woodbridge 22 created a spark, with Hayden Revel picking up the charge andreleasing Finn Wilcox, who snaked his way through defenders with quick feet and sharp vision to score West Norfolk’s opening try.Woodbridge, however, were not to be rattled and quickly answered back with an unconverted try in the corner, stretching their lead once again. But West Norfolk finally began to see their trademark intensity return and the hard running that has troubled so many opponents started to tell.A vintage interception from Jack Wicks turned the tide briefly, his anticipation and speed sparking life into the West comeback. Moments later, vice-captain Connor Clarke found himself unmarked and dived over in the corner, to bring West within three points and set up a tantalising finish. Despite a valiant second-half resurgence, time was not on West Norfolk’s side.The final whistle blew with the score just out of reach, marking their first defeat of the season.West Norfolk will now regroup and refocus as they prepare to take on local rivals Wisbech on Saturday.