Norwich 18, Romford and GP 13: Norwich at long last got the win they so desperately needed against a spirited Romford outfit who fought to the last in a very tight game. The hosts did everything but score in the first 10 minutes, only to go behind to a David Gilmore penalty.

Norwich at long last got the win they so desperately needed against a spirited Romford outfit who fought to the last in a very tight game.

The hosts did everything but score in the first 10 minutes, only to go behind to a David Gilmore penalty.

Norwich hit back with a lovely try from full back Scott Hancocks, who came into the line at pace and scored half way out. Alex Campbell missed the conversion.

It looked at this stage as if Norwich could overwhelm the visitors. The forwards were on top in the set pieces and the loose and the backs were running with purpose, with the return of Dougie Greenwood in the centre making a big difference. He always made ground going forward, providing a target for the back row of John Bugg, Freddie Cook and Ross Adnitt who were all outstanding.

However it was the visitors who went ahead through another Gilmore penalty after 24 minutes on a rare incursion into Norwich territory. Campbell put Norwich in the lead with a well taken penalty from some 35 metres but when the half-time whistle went Romford must have been extremely relieved to be only two points adrift.

Norwich were straight out of the blocks, scoring one of the best tries seen at Beeston Hyrne this season. Adnitt made ground on the short side and the ball went through several pairs of hands before being finished off by Bugg near the posts. Campbell added the conversion to put Norwich seemingly in control.

However from a line-out Gilmore was allowed to romp through some indifferent defence to score near the posts. He duly converted his own try to put the visitors right back in the game.

Campbell increased the Norwich lead with some 20 minutes left with another well struck penalty. However the last quarter was all about defending. Among the Norwich faithful there was a feeling of d�j� vu as the visitors looked as though they might nick the game at the very end. As it was Norwich defended magnificently but there was a feeling of great relief when the final whistle went to end the losing sequence.

Chris Gillham