Conditions were perfect with warm spring sunshine and a pitch in good condition as Watton kicked off to their hosts Dereham II in this friendly encounter.
Dereham swarmed over Watton in the first ten minutes of play playing aggressive and controlled rugby forcing an attacking lineout 5 metres from the Watton line, outstanding defence enabled fullback Limahel to clear to safety. With the play in Watton territory a penalty was awarded for hands in the ruck, with the conversion attempt pushed wide Watton regained some composure and began to make in roads into the home sides half. A simple penalty was converted from Murray from 10 metres to put Watton in the lead 0 - 3.
A crunching tackle from centre Will Murray gave possession back to Watton as fly half Billy Miller attacked the blind side releasing Murray to feed winger Wellard who outpaced the defence to score under the posts, converted by Murray giving Watton a 0 – 10 lead.
As the second half kicked off Dereham upped the tempo and made solid progress up the park with a solid forward display drove their way to the line and touchdown unconverted bringing the score to 5 – 10. Watton again upped the intensity and a hard fought battle ensued leading to a yellow card for back row McMullen for driving in from the side, this didn’t effect Watton as back row partner Harris broke through the defences almost scoring. More excellent play from Watton as scrum half Omar broke free and made 25 metres quick support saw McMullen offload to Miller who drew the defence putting Walker in the clear to score, unconverted 5 – 15.
Dereham responded immediately driving to the Watton line and releasing the backs to touchdown in the corner, converted 15 – 12.
Watton ended the game on a high as quick ball and excellent handling skills saw Walker power over the line to secure the victory for Watton, Murray converting bringing the final score to 12 – 20.