The bragging rights went to newly promoted Thetford at Mundford Road – but Swaffham ensured the home team had to battle hard to hold on to their victory.

Thetford had begun the Greene King IPA Eastern Counties One season with a dramatic 40-38 triumph at Wisbech but Swaffham started off with a difficult trip to Ipswich YM, losing 46-7.

Swaffham took the kick-off but it was Thetford who scored the game’s first points, Will Martin scoring a try but seeing the conversion strike the crossbar. The visitors soon hit back with a penalty in the centre of the pitch, which Daniel Spencer stroked home from 30 yards to bring the score to 5-3.

Thetford’s wide men again made the difference to extend their lead though, a Ryan Gardiner try converted by Martin extending their lead to 12-3, which they held on to through to the break despite heavy pressure from Swaffham.

After a scrappy start to the second half, John Chamberlain bust forward from within the Swaffham half and offloaded to debutant Piers Fontaine, who managed to resist late tackles to touch down.

Spencer kicked the extras to bring the score to 12-10 and Swaffham then went for the kill, kicking for touch rather than taking the points but wasted their chance.

They lived to regret the decision as an interception from home full-back Josh Clark, which he also converted, resulted in another try and a 19-10 win for Thetford.

Swaffham play their first home match of the season this Saturday when they welcome Mersea Island to North Pickenham Road for a league and cup double.

Thetford make the trip to Ely, who sit top of the table having scored 76 points and conceded seven in their opening two fixtures.