Norwich were handed victory without even playing at the weekend – but they still want their fixture against Mersea Island in London 3NE to be played.

The Essex side called Norwich on Saturday morning to say they were unable to fulfil the fixture because of a lack of available players, leading to a home walk-over and four points for the hosts. But the call-off denied Norwich the chance to go for a fifth bonus point for tries scored, while also preventing any boost to their points difference, and they are now hoping the fixture can be contested later in the season

'We still wish to play the game as a potential bonus point or points difference may be crucial at the end of the season,' said press officer Andy Micklethwaite. 'We now have to await the ruling of the league officials who are investigating the circumstances of Mersea Island failing to fulfil the fixture. Until that investigation has been concluded we don't know what options may be open to us and cannot comment further'.