Wymondham Rugby Club lose season opener

Newmarket 15, Wymondham 7

THIS was a typical rugby season opener as both sides looked to shake off the summer rustiness.

But Newmarket, after their unbeaten league triumph last season, were quickly into their stride putting Wymondham under pressure.

Fifteen minutes passed swiftly as each side vied for supremacy with Newmarket just edging the battle.

Newmarket finally got an opportunity with a two- man overlap on the left and Ben Cockerton went over in the corner, and despite appearing to drop the ball the try was awarded.

Newmarket's forward power was asking questions of the Wymondham front row who, with young David Blake making his full senior debut at prop and Joe Riches making his first appearance as a hooker, were finding life a little difficult.

Exploiting this, the home side crossed the Wymondham line again but once again appeared to drop the ball.

Nevertheless the referee awarded the score and Wymondham found themselves 10-0 at half-time.

The second half got off to the worst start possible as Newmarket capitalised on a wayward clearance to score as their forwards rumbled over.

Wymondham began to show glimpses of what they are capable of with strong runs from Pena Sokia and great support by Chris Brown that brought rewards with Brown's first try of the season.

James Wyatt, who had missed two earlier penalties, added the conversion.

The final ten minutes saw Wymondham chasing the game but to no avail leaving Newmarket deserved winners but leaving Wymondham lots to ponder.

Had the 'rub of the green' gone differently scores would have been much closer.