Simply gr-eight, West Norfolk make it eight wins from as many games

West Norfolk made it eight wins from as many games as they hosted second-place Ipswich YM at Gatehouse Lane in a crucial top-of-the-table clash.With West Norfolk having completed a double over YM last season, tensions were high from the first whistle.The home side came out strong, moving into YM territory from the kick-off, testing the visitor’s defences with tight phases and powerful running.The early pressure paid off and with sharp hands along the backline, Ethan Young found the line to give West the first score.Captain Jack Wicks added the extras, putting West up 7-0.However, YM responded swiftly. West Norfolk’s defence faltered momentarily and after a series of driving mauls, they were penalised when second-row Edney Costa collapsed the maul, to concede a penalty try and earn himself a yellow card.YM’s conversion brought them level, and both sides remained locked. West Norfolk’s discipline continued to strain under pressure, and just before half-time, Wicks received a yellow card for a mis-timed challenge and the hosts trailed 7-14 at the break. Head coach Jamie Williamson didn’t hide his frustration during the half-time huddle, feeling his team had yet to reach their potential.West Norfolk emerged with renewed determination in the second half and it wasn’t long before Conor Clarke carved through YM’s line, drawing the last defender and setting up a flying George Lemon to finish.Wicks converted, levelling the scoreline. The momentum shifted when Hayden Revell intercepted a YM pass and made a lot of ground before being caught.He offloaded to JJ Hart who drove for the line but fell short before recycling the ball to Angus Williams who powered over. Wicks was on point with the conversion again.YM mounted a final assault in the closing minutes, with the intensity leading to JJ Hart picking up a yellow card. In the last play, a thumping tackle from Finlay Wilcox forced a turnover to seal a hard-fought and resilient victory.Man of the Match: Hayden Revell, sponsored by HayleyDefence of the Match: Lewis Stewart, sponsored by Goldings of Outwell.