A lesson in strength as West Norfolk build towards brighter days

On a brisk Sunday morning, beneath a flawless blue sky, West Norfolk Under-15s stepped onto the field with determination, their resolve as keen as the cutting northerly breeze.Across from them loomed the foreboding dark of Holt, their black jerseys a symbol of the challenge ahead.Though the final scoreline did not favour the home side, West Norfolk’s performance revealed the potential of a team united in effort and spirit.The game began with West Norfolk showcasing their intent.Direct, dynamic running saw forwards and backs combining seamlessly, probing the Holt defence with a fluency that hinted at brighter days ahead.Holt’s defence, though stretched to its limits, refused to break, responding with a clinical score to take a 0-5 lead.Undeterred, West Norfolk responded with energy and precision, testing Holt’s line at every opportunity. Yet, whatever questions were posed, Holt’s defence remained steadfast, bending but never yielding. A single lapse saw Holt extend their lead to 0-12, and despite valiant defensive efforts from West Norfolk, Holt exploited another overlap to make it 0-19.Moments of brilliance lifted West Norfolk before the half.A quick tap penalty from captain Logan Barrett caught Holt off-guard, and Christopher Maule’s stunning conversion from the touchline brought the score to 7-19, rekindling hope as the teams headed to the break.The second half saw West Norfolk continue to press, their attacking rhythm forcing Holt to defend deep. But again, Holt held firm, and their sharpness on the counter added to their tally, exploiting West Norfolk’s fatigue to pull away to 7-45.Still, West Norfolk fought on, driving Holt back to their own try line with sheer will and teamwork. The breakthrough never came, but their refusal to quit spoke volumes.Holt’s final try brought the score to 7-52, but it could not diminish West Norfolk’s effort or unity.Barrett and Maule earned men of the match honours, symbolising a team that, like the roots beneath the storm, will only grow stronger from this test.As coach Andy Barrett said: “With this heart and purpose, the future holds great promise for West Norfolk.”West Norfolk: Rhys Allerton, Logan Barrett (C), Joseph Bowen, Anthony Collings, Jac Fox, Charles Green, Jacob Hancock, Samuel McKenzie, Finley Mallett, Christopher Maule, Fletcher Milnes, Milan Prostikov, Rowan Ryder, Jack Skinner, Felix Slingsby, Tom Soar, Oliver Stevenson and Hayden Wesley-James.