Norwich moved into third place in the London 3NE table after ploughing through the mud to beat South Woodham Ferrers, claiming the bonus point in the process.

The state of the pitch decided how this game was going to be played. The low-lying ground in Essex was just about playable but was soon churned up so that after 20 minutes it was difficult to tell who was who, with the players covered in mud.

Memories of the defeat at Wymondham a fortnight ago soon came back as Norwich, having had all the early pressure, went behind when the ball went loose and was hacked on for back row forward Ryan Marshall to win the chase for the touch down to put the home side in front. Jordan Harper could not convert.

Norwich came back, with fine defence keeping them out, but after several minutes of pounding the home side's line Dougie Greenwood got over to level the score. Rob Micklethwaite missed the conversion on a very difficult day for place kickers.

On the stroke of half-time Greenwood went over again to put Norwich in the lead. Again Micklethwaite could not convert.

Five minutes into the second half a great run from left wing John Coltman opened up the home defence and from the ensuing scrum No 8 Ross Adnitt crashed over and this time Micklethwaite added a very good conversion.

Norwich were now totally in control and it was no surprise when they scored again after a great break by centre Scott Hancocks. This time it was scrum-half Josh Ives who scored with Micklethwaite adding another good conversion.

Despite coming close on a number of occasions Norwich could not add to their tally as the rest of the game was played out with the visitors in control.