Norwich, without several regulars including Mike Lawton, who had scored nearly half the points at Epping the week before, competed throughout the game but could not cope with Sudbury's pace out wide.

Centre Chris Lewis was outstanding for Sudbury, who dominated the early stages, but Norwich did not help themselves by coughing up possession when they had the opportunity to get a foothold in the game.

It was no surprise when Sudbury opened the scoring from a lineout after a penalty was kicked to the corner, Lewis strolling over under the posts to give fly-half Sam Rust an easy conversion.

Sudbury's second try came after 20 minutes when Norwich were attacking but lost possession. The visitors spread the ball wide and full back Austin Beckett outstretched the cover to score in the corner. The conversion was missed.

The last 10 minutes of the half belonged to Norwich who were encamped inside the visitors' 22 but some stout defence kept them out. However on the stroke of half-time their efforts were rewarded when full back Chris Parrott went over in the corner. The try was not converted to leave the score at the break 5-12 in Sudbury's favour.

The first 10 minutes of the second half were fairly even but after that three quick tries by Sudbury really saw off Norwich's challenge. A promising Norwich attack came to an end when they lost the ball, Lewis made a good break and Rust finished the move but could not convert his own try.

From the restart Sudbury scored again when right wing Shaun Smith got put away to score in the corner. Again the conversion was unsuccessful. Beckett scored his second try moments later this time near the posts for Rust to add the extras.

Sudbury added two further tries, one from No 8 Jake Thurlow after a break by Lewis and another from his fellow centre Tom Summers, both of which were converted.

Norwich, to their credit, never gave up and were rewarded with a late try by right wing Tom Stanley who showed great pace to score in the corner, with the conversion being missed.

Norwich will hope that they will have a full squad to choose from for the trip to Diss next weekend in the Norfolk Cup.