Thetford 1st XV 26, Hadleigh 27

RUGBY: After a narrow defeat, Thetford captain Ollie Taylor though very disappointed was still upbeat.

He said: “Despite the result today we know as a group of players confidence is starting to improve and results will too.”

After the previous week’s heavy defeat to Ipswich YMCA Thetford knew they had to improve to beat Hadleigh.

Right from the start Thetford showed that the result was behind them driving the Hadleigh scrum back at will and dominating in the line-out.

Unfortunately it was one of these drives which led to Hadleigh’s first try, when some miss control in the maul saw the ball pop out from the side, where the Hadleigh open side flanker pounced and the ball was fed to the backs where slick hands saw Hadleigh score in the corner.

This seemed to spur Thetford on even more and they were soon on the scoreboard with a penalty by Tony Watson and a try by Dexter’s man-of-the-match Dale Bishop who with the rest of the Thetford pack shattered the Hadleigh defence with some fine drives to the line.

After a penalty for Hadleigh, Thetford scored the try of the game with the Thetford backs dragging Hadleigh one way then with quick ball supplied by the Thetford forwards spreading it back the other way for Matt Bailey to score a converted try.

Hadleigh were reduced to 14 following the sin binning of their hooker for use of the boot, Tony Watson converting the penalty 20-8 at half-time.

A poor defensive kick early in the second half led to Hadleigh’s next try with the ball being gathered by the Hadleigh 15 and returned with interest.

Despite last-ditch defending by the Thetford forwards they found themselves out numbered and could not stop the Hadleigh open side scoring.

Straight from the kick-off Hadleigh were caught off-side again Watson converted.

Perhaps Thetford thought that their first league win in a year was theirs, but someone forgot to tell Hadleigh and two quick tries in the last 10 minutes by their full-back and inside centre left Thetford stunned.

Thetford first XV are away to Mistley this week with the Heathens playing hosts to Southwold 2’s.

Anybody interested in playing rugby should contact Ollie Taylor on 079474429. Training is every Tuesday and Thursday at Thetford Rugby Club, Two Mile Bottom at 7pm.