West Norfolk Warriors’ first fixture back in higher-league rugby ended in a defeat to Colchester in a hard-fought league opener on Sunday.
The hosts marked their return to a higher division with a 41–12 victory over fellow promoted side West Warriors.
Played on a pristine 4G surface in perfect conditions, the contest offered a reminder of just how fierce old rivalries can be, with both sides displaying commitment and flashes of quality despite the lopsided scoreline.
The Warriors, buoyed by the return of the inimitable Tiffany Turner at scrum-half, began the brighter of the two teams.
They almost struck first after a probing attack brought them within inches of the Colchester line, only for a knock-on to halt momentum.
From the resulting scrum deep in their own half, Colchester turned defence into attack in a flash.
A sweeping 95-metre counter ended under the posts for the opening try, setting the tone for a ruthless display.
Colchester doubled their lead soon after, sustaining pressure in the Warriors’ 20-yard zone, which culminated in another well-worked finish.
The visitors battled hard at the breakdown, and the first half grew increasingly scrappy, dominated by set pieces and physical collisions.
But misfortune struck for West around the half-hour mark when Jade Nicholson suffered a serious ankle injury, later confirmed as a broken fibula.
The stoppage seemed to break their rhythm, and Colchester capitalised by spreading play wide for a third try in the corner.
Trailing three scores to nil, the Warriors needed a spark and found it after the interval.
Awarded a penalty close to the Colchester line, they powered forward through Rosie Lingham, whose physicality at the contact area earned her the Forward of the Match accolade.
Sustained pressure eventually produced their first try, offering a glimpse of their attacking potential.
Colchester’s response was immediate. A chase from the restart forced an error, and they were quick to pounce, grounding another score.
Their tempo began to wear down West’s defensive line, and two further tries, including a dazzling 50-metre solo effort from a rampaging forward, pushed the game beyond the visitors’ reach.
The Warriors refused to fold and were rewarded late on.
A well-executed lineout near the Colchester line set up their second try in the corner, giving their travelling support something to cheer.
But Colchester controlled territory in the closing stages, ensuring no late fightback.
While Colchester celebrated a clinical opening-day performance, highlighted by sharp counter-attacks and a relentless breakdown effort, West Warriors can take positives.
With Turner earning Back of the Match honours and the pack showing resilience, they will believe there is more to come as the season develops.
For Warriors, this was a reminder that fight and belief can go a long way.
Forward of the Match: Rosie Lingham; Back of the Match: Tiffany Turner.
