West Norfolk youngsters edge classic home encounter

In what could only be described as a classic at Gatehouse Lane, West Norfolk U16s took on Wymondham, widely regarded as Norfolk’s finest boys’ side.The encounter lived up to every expectation, delivering a nail-biting thriller that will be remembered for years to come.Wymondham flew out of the blocks, showcasing their class with a lightning-fast start. By the time the scoreboard read 0-21, it seemed as though the visitors were on their way to a comfortable victory.However, West Norfolk’s heads never dropped, and their trademark determination under pressure and unity began to shine through.As the first half progressed, a spirited fightback brought the home side back to within a try, setting the stage for a tense second half.After the break, West Norfolk rallied with exceptional vigour.Their effort was matched by Wymondham’s defensive brilliance, who managed to keep the hosts at bay, maintaining a slim advantage by adding three points from a penalty. But West Norfolk would not be finished off, two crucial tries were scored by West and they surged into the lead. While Wymondham launched a late charge with a converted try, the game was beyond them and the whistle blew West Norfolk held on for a breathtaking 38-36 victory.Robin Woodcock was nothing short of inspirational, displaying great courage and selflessness, placing his body on the line against the run of the play that galvanised his teammates.His three tries were a testament to his pivotal role in the comeback. The game was a shining example of rugby’s core values. Despite fierce competitiveness and tough aggression, both teams played with exemplary sportsmanship and discipline.Coaches and spectators alike commended the respect shown throughout, a testament to the spirit of the game. After the final whistle, camaraderie prevailed as both teams shared lunch and laughter in the clubhouse, celebrating a contest that showcased the very best of youth rugby.This encounter will likely go down as the game of the season—a true spectacle of skill, heart, and sportsmanship.Try Scorers: Robin Woodcock (3), Tom Lloyd (2), Fraser Pick.Man of the Match: Fraser Pick.