In the history of contests between these old rivals nobody at this game could recall one where the margin of victory was just one point.

Eastern Daily Press: Mike Lawton in possession for Norwich Picture: Andy MicklethwaiteMike Lawton in possession for Norwich Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)

Norwich will be kicking themselves that, for the second week running, they contrived to lose a game they should have won.

For the neutral, this was a highly entertaining game, with nine tries and plenty of open rugby and both sides guilty of defensive lapses which contributed to the entertainment.

Ipswich were first on the scoresheet when No8 Chris Blom went over, winger Alan Barker missing the conversion.

Norwich got back into the game with a Mike Lawton penalty and took the lead with another after a great break by scrum-half Robbie Bridgstock. Lawton then added another penalty, although in the build-up Norwich butchered a clear scoring chance after a superb run by fly-half Chris Parrott, who had a good game.

Eastern Daily Press: Tom Lloyd in action for Norwich Picture: Andy MicklethwaiteTom Lloyd in action for Norwich Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)

As the game entered the second quarter Ipswich hit back with a great try from powerful winger Chris Kolapo-Ajala, converted by Barker, to restore Ipswich's lead. From the restart Norwich scored their first try with a patient retention of possession which saw Jed Tearle go over near the post for Lawton to add the easy conversion, making it 16-12. A pattern began to emerge as Kolapo-Ajala scored almost immediately after some weak Norwich defence and Barker kicked the conversion to give the lead back to Ipswich.

Norwich did not help themselves when Nick Austin was yellow carded for a deliberate knock-on inside the 22. Despite this on the stroke of half-time Norwich scored again after a lovely break by Lawton who put left wing Conan Hoey over.

At the break Norwich led 23-19, but it was shortlived as Kolapo-Ajala scored his third try after Norwich gave away a soft penalty, Barker converting. Norwich soon scored an excellent try after a Parrott break put Hoey in, Lawton adding the conversion. Norwich led again, but gave away a penalty soon after the restart and Tim Mann scored, Barker converting to make it 33-30.

With 10 minutes left Hoey went over in the corner for what should have been the winning score. The try was not converted and with six minutes another penalty saw Barker kick the winning points.

Eastern Daily Press: Conan Hoey in action for Norwich Picture: Andy MicklethwaiteConan Hoey in action for Norwich Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Conan Hoey and Theo Elliott Picture: Andy MicklethwaiteConan Hoey and Theo Elliott Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Jason Hynd in action for Norwich Picture: Andy MicklethwaiteJason Hynd in action for Norwich Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Laurence Austin in action for Norwich at Ipswich Picture: Andy MicklethwaiteLaurence Austin in action for Norwich at Ipswich Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Tom Moss in action for Norwich at Ipswich Picture: Andy MicklethwaiteTom Moss in action for Norwich at Ipswich Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Tom Moss in action for Norwich at Ipswich Picture: Andy MicklethwaiteTom Moss in action for Norwich at Ipswich Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Matt Selby in action for Norwich at Ipswich Picture: Andy MicklethwaiteMatt Selby in action for Norwich at Ipswich Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)