Senior Academy Launch New Era with Mixed Results in Three-Way Fixture

Norwich Senior Academy vs. Shelford 2nd XV & Sudbury U18s
Venue: Sudbury
Date: Sunday, 21st September

The newly renamed Norwich Senior Academy, formerly the Colts, travelled to Sudbury for their first outing of the season—a challenging three-way fixture against Shelford 2nd XV and a strong Sudbury side.

Facing a long journey and several injuries, the squad was tested from the start, arriving with just 14 players and an incomplete front row.

Match 1: Norwich Senior Academy vs. Shelford 2nd XV
Final Score: Norwich 27 - 10 Shelford

In fine conditions with sunshine and a light wind, the Senior Academy started brilliantly. From the kick-off, Maggie B won an immediate turnover penalty at the breakdown. The ball was kicked to touch, and from the resulting lineout, a simple pass through the hands saw Harry E expertly engineer a gap to score within the first two minutes.

After some back-and-forth play, the ball was worked wide again for Oliver G to find space on the outside. He showed excellent strength to finish powerfully in the corner.

To Shelford's credit, they struck back, using repeated phases to narrow our defence before exploiting the width to score in the corner.

Norwich’s response was swift. From the restart, they turned over a breakdown on the Shelford 22. Spotting a lack of guards, Stan H launched a clever pick-and-go from the base of the ruck to dart over for another try.

The team then executed a perfect training-ground move: a pod set up a tip-on pass that linked with the backs, allowing Luca S to come into the line from fullback and power over in the corner.

The first-half scoring was rounded off by Aiden P, who powered through the middle of the pack for a well-deserved try. A brief lapse in concentration just before the whistle allowed Shelford to score in the corner, making the halftime score 27-10 after 35 minutes.

Match 2: Norwich Senior Academy vs. Sudbury
Final Score: Norwich 5 - 31 Sudbury

After a short break, the team faced a fresh Sudbury side. Thanks to the Shelford coach volunteering to referee after the official pulled out, and with a prop loaned to ensure contested scrums, the game got underway.

The second match did not go to plan. Norwich struggled to replicate their earlier form, with runners going alone and being turned over. Tackles crept high, the defensive line became disconnected, and individuals rushed up out of shape.

Sudbury took full advantage, leaking points through the middle and out wide. Frustration began to show, and the game grew feisty towards the end, with both teams receiving a yellow card following an unnecessary scuffle.

Amidst the frustration, a gorgeous moment of quality provided Norwich's sole score. Charlie H caught a clearance kick and immediately put Harry E into space to finish beautifully in the corner.

While the 5-31 result was a disappointment, the day provided valuable lessons and a strong first-half performance to build upon. The team looks forward to regrouping and working on its discipline and structure for the challenges ahead.