Youngsters extend winning streak

Under-13 rugby players from West Norfolk rounded off their home season with two wins in a double-header against Boston and Leicester Forest.The hosts hit the ground running in their opening match, with slick handling across the backline finished at pace by tight-head Oscar Slingsby.Zach Swash’s attacking intent from full-back caused problems for the Boston defence, stretching the field out wide.Boston responded, capitalising on a penalty for a high tackle to drive forward and score.West’s reply was swift. After Charlie Weigle made good ground, Sam Wharton accelerated into score following a deft show-and-go.Boston’s attack kept them in the contest, pulling off an impressive solo try with sharp footwork, but West remained composed.Armandas Krasnekovas pounced on a deep ruck turnover to smash through for another score, thanks in no small part to some tireless work at the breakdown from Harrison Munden and Alfie Plumb.A strong carry from Ben Janusauskis opened the door for Arthur Ratcliffe-Laming to set Alex Maule up for a finish out wide. Boston’s powerful scrum allowed them to claw another try back, but Ethan Lin answered from deep, going through from first-phase ball. Krasnekovas completed the scoring in a 30-15 success, muscling over after more fierce breakdown work.Toby Easter and Munden’s powerful crash-ball carries repeatedly dented Boston’s defensive line, helping West maintain the upper hand.Boston’s scrum was a real weapon, but West’s energy in open play proved decisive.West Norfolk again started fast against Leicester Forest. Good scrum pressure set the foundation for Lewis Symonds to finish confidently after a well-worked switch move with Wharton.Leicester Forest hit back with a try of their own, but West’s momentum was relentless.The tenacious William Reeve, continuing to settle into his new role at scrum-half, showed real promise in controlling the tempo, linking well with Harry Pybus to move the ball cleanly under pressure. Lin cut through for two more trademark tries, while Ratcliffe-Laming’s audacious chickenwing pass set up Alex Maule for another finish wide on the right, keeping the scoreboard ticking.Forest capitalised on a spell of poor discipline to narrow the gap, but Lin wasn’t done. Seizing a loose ball, he sprinted half the pitch for a memorable solo score.The final word belonged to Rory MacDonald, finishing with authority after relentless pressure on the five-metre line to score his first try for West Norfolk.Forest’s quick runners kept threatening, but West tackled well, with standout defensive efforts from Slingsby, Janusauskis, and Toby Biggs keeping the visitors’ danger men at bay in a 30-10 scoreline.Special mention to the West Norfolk lads who turned out for Boston in their game versus Leicester Forest. The side will take a nine-week unbeaten run into their final weekend.A big thank you to our shirt sponsor, Premcheck Ltd, for their continued support.Tries: Slingsby, Wharton, Krasnekovas (2), Maule (2), Lin (4), Symonds, MacDonaldPlayer of the Match: Ethan Lin.Supporters’ Player: Rory MacDonald