Thetford Heathens finish the season in style after physical battle against Sprowston

However, the Heathens wanted to ensure they finished the season on a high note with one more victory.

Norwich Union had other ideas as they put in a strong performance and nearly scuppered Thetford’s plans.

Norwich Union countered Thetford’s fast running game with a big pack of forwards who kept the ball in tight.

This did not stop Thetford getting a two-try lead early on through Josh Sharp and Stuart Cairns.

The strong scrummage of Norwich Union drove the under-sized Thetford pack over the line to start their scoring.

The half time whistle blew and both teams knew they were in a battle.

The second half started and renewed from the break the big men of Norwich Union carried hard and were only halted by some fearless tackling by the Thetford pack led by the returning Phil Johns.

Thetford scored again when a superb backs move released Gareth Smith-Hughes to sprint in from their own 22.

Norwich Union again bit back with another forward try this time scored by their huge tighthead.

The game was played with such physicality that the game broke down and two players were sent for a 10 minute break and the game continued to intensify.

Captain Danny Goodman opted to convert a penalty rather than go for touch stretching out their lead again.

One more try from the exciting fly half Josh Sharp brought the Thetford score to 31.

In the dying moments Norwich Union scored again and brought their total to 27 but the resilient defence of Thetford defended their line to take victory as the final whistle blew.

Both teams were exhausted after a physical game.

The Indigo Recycling Man of the Match award went to Phil Johns who led from the front and with ferocious tackling stopped two tries in the dying moments.

This game brings an end to the Heathens’ season having secured promotion.

The club still have two cups to compete for.

The Crowley Cup this weekend away to Fakenham and the following week the final of the Norfolk Cup.