West Norfolk under-16s opened their season at Beccles, stepping onto the pitch beneath a golden autumn sky, eleven strong and full of anticipation.
With four spirited guest players joining to complete the side, this was a day to test not just skill and tactics but the grit and élan vital of our young men.
Team spirit leapt from the field and into the hearts of every parent and supporter.
From the first whistle, Beccles unleashed their formidable power in the scrum, bulldozing relentlessly, but West stood firm.
In scenes more akin to Thermopylae than Suffolk, the West pack worked doggedly to rescue their own ball, refusing to give an inch.
Every phase was met with fierce defence and bold attack.
West repeatedly held up Beccles’ bullocking drives, standing fast and resolute like Leonidas and his Spartans.
Where Beccles had strength, West brought blinding pace and agility, unsettling the heavier hosts with probing runs and quicksilver movement.
The breakthrough came when Hart dived over from close range, Maule calmly slotting the conversion to send West seven points to nil at half-time.
The second half saw West return with the same vigour and raven’s wing speed, forcing errors and pressing home their advantage. Hart, ever the poacher, struck again, and
Maule’s reliable boot extended the lead. Though Beccles finally broke through with force, West responded in dazzling style.
A flowing move, with build-up play that threaded the needle through the Beccles defence, was finished superbly by Hancock.
Despite a late rally, the West lads refused to wilt.
Their refusal to quit drew further indiscipline from their opponents and secured a memorable 21-12 triumph on unfamiliar ground. Maule, for his composure and work rate, was named Man of the Match.
Every West player gave their all. Parents and coaches agreed it was one of the best team performances witnessed, a testament to new beginnings and new coaching leadership.
If you are considering a place in this band of brothers, come and join the journey. This is rugby, West style.
West Norfolk: William Chappell, Edward Frost, Charlie Green, Jacob Hancock, Lewis Hart, Harry Hollands, Christopher Maule (MoM), Rowan Ryder, Jack Skinner, Tom Soar, Oliver Stevenson.
