Watton played host to West Norfolk in this the first Merit league one fixture for both outfits. A very hot and bright day made conditions less than ideal for both sides a bone hard pitch was sure to take its toll.

Watton kicked to the visitors who made good ground recycling ball and making territory from the boot; Watton up to the challenge drove the play back to half way when the first of many turnover ball for the visitors put West’s pack in the driving seat, taking the play up to the 22, a penalty saw the visitors take an early lead 0 – 3.

From the restart Watton again attacked with gusto spinning ball wide but finding no way through a solid defence. Once more turnover ball allowed the visitor’s time to clear down field and hold Watton in the 22, solid forward play gave the visitors a platform to launch an attack through the backs coming close but held up from a scramble defence. The subsequent scrummage saw the visitors in dominant form forcing Watton back, the pick up and drive from 8 proved to strong resulting in a converted score 0 – 10 bringing the half to a close.

The second half saw Watton step up to the mark making hard yardage through forward play into the 22 a good platform saw centre George crash over only to spill the ball in grounding nevertheless Watton now camped in the visitors half took advantage from a quick tap penalty from Evans who fed Richard Stone to touch down, Turnbull converting 7 – 10.

Watton once more took play to the visitors 22; slick hands saw Chris Cole come close in the corner but strong tackling preventing the score. Watton again proved less than inspiring in the contact area as more turnover ball saw the visitors full back run through several missed tackles to go the length and score, converted 17 – 10.

The restart saw west down to 14 as continual infringement at the ruck was awarded with a yellow card, Watton could find no way through as a lack of control at the contact area gifted ball to the visitors, killing any chance of a victory. Full time.