Good draw for Barbarians

Dereham Barbarians 12, West Norfolk 12

WITH the Barbarians' match against Newmarket being cancelled some frantic mid-week organisation led to them playing host to West Norfolk for the second time this season.

Eager to make up for their only loss this campaign in the previous encounter, the Barbarians started strongly, exerting good pressure on the West line and inside five minutes they had their first try, writes Jack Edwards.

A ball taken at pace by Edwards saw the fly half hit the gap and score under the posts. Evans converted the try to add the two points.

West then settled into the match with the backs running well at the Barbarians' pack, and only some big tackles from Bean and Rumbles prevented some serious damage being done.

However it was only a matter of time before the home side added their second try. A spilt pass on the wing from West allowed Stolworthy to pick up the loose ball and with a strong run he crossed the line to score to extend the lead to 12-0 going into half-time.

Barbarians started the second half slowly, and with this West came into the game and scored their first try of the match. With an overlap on the wing they crossed for a try which was converted.

Almost immediately from the restart West added their second. A scrum was conceded on the Barbarians' line, Luke Clovell took the ball blind at eight and powered over for a good solo effort.

Dereham then attacked the West line hard with runs from Bessent and Spencer causing damage, however no points were to come from this. The game then turned to a gritty affair with both teams pushing for the vital points needed to win, but neither team could break the deadlock.

Captain Josh Stewart said: 'This is by no means a poor result against one of the county's premier sides, and we have played some enterprising rugby, however we will be looking for a victory when we visit them later in the season.'

Next the Barbarians travel to Beccles for another tough match hoping to improve on an impressive performance.