This seasons Norfolk Cup Competition begins as The University of East Anglia played host to Watton in this, the first round proper.

As Watton receiving the kick off it was more than apparent that the visitors had the stronger forward attack, controlling the contact area to set up a platform to attack. As width was placed on the ball UEA proved to be more than in control defending strongly & turning over ball, running back with youthful energy into the 22. With this in mind the Watton game plan changed to match the conditions and a forward dominated game ensued. Watton marched up the park with phase after phase of hard rucking and mauling eventually rewarded with a penalty giving Watton an attacking line out 10 metres short. The catch and drive falling just short saw Steve Omar snipe to the line for a 5-point lead, unconverted 0 – 5.

UEA responded immediately running through countless missed tackles up to the 22, simple recycled ball was spun wide to out pace a non existent defensive line, unconverted 5 – 5. Watton continued to play 8-man rugby and were duly rewarded for there efforts as scrum 5 metres out saw Barre at 8 break away to feed Tilley for an unconverted score, 5 – 10 half time.
The second half saw UEA spread the play wide at all opportunities, the Watton defence somehow managed to hold off for some 15 minutes but again the home side out paced the would be tacklers to take the lead from a converted score. 10 – 12.

UEA on the ascendance broke through again, last-ditch tackling from Wayne Jolly saving a definite score. Watton gained control for the last quarter as Stone recaptured the lead from a penalty 20 metres out 13 – 12. The win was secured as a clever kick saw Watton receive an attacking line out on the 5-metre line, the catch and drive saw Lincoln Evans barrel his way to the line, unconverted bringing the final score to 18 – 12.