Norwich come through tough test to make progress in Intermediate Cup

Dave Micklethwaite. Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)

Any thoughts that the visitors from London might struggle to get the long coach journey out of their system were quickly dispelled.

Soon after the start they had Norwich pinned inside their own 22 and it became obvious that the driving maul was their attacking weapon of choice.

It was no surprise when they opened the scoring with try from centre Bob Barton halfway out which Chris Hitchcock was unable to convert.

For most of the opening quarter Norwich remained on the back foot and only some excellent defence kept Chiswick from extending their lead.

Mike Lawton. Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)

Gradually the hosts started to apply some pressure of their own and they got on the scoreboard thanks to a Theo Elliott penalty just before half-time.

Norwich took the lead just after the break with another Elliott penalty.

The game remained pretty even before the hosts stretched their lead when, after a period of forward pressure, the ball was released to the backs and right wing Conan Hoey went over in the corner Elliott converted with a magnificent kick.

If Norwich thought the job was done they were mistaken. The visitors came storming back and with second row Jack Walsh yellow-carded they scored their second try through replacement back rower Joe Mckinley from a rolling maul. Fortunately for Norwich, Hitchcock missed the conversion.

Peter Hosking. Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)

Norwich looked dangerous when attacking from broken play and full-back Tristram Smith launch several attacks before an aimless kick gave possession back to Chiswick and they were able from a penalty to establish an attacking lineout on the line, a perfect position to set up their driving maul. However, Norwich launched replacement second row Simon Darby who stole the ball and scrum half Robbie Bridgstock cleared. Hoey, following up, gathered the bouncing ball which was moved to centre Michael Lawton who out-paced the defence to score in the corner for a superb try. The conversion was missed but the final whistle went to bring the curtain down on a very good contest.

Tristan Smith. Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)

Tristan Smith. Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)

Jack Walsh in possession. Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)

Mike Lawton on the run. Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)

Dave Micklethwaite in possession. Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)

Debutant Cameron Horide. Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)

Second rows Nathan Wilson and Jack Walsh combine during Norwich's Intermediate Cup win over Chiswick and Beeston Hyrne last Saturday. Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)