Having not played any competitive rugby for a month, and with the squad joined by guest players from Ely RFC, it was not totally surprising that Newmarket got off to a slow start at the Diss Festival. The lack of match practice showed in the early games against Shelford and Colchester, with Newmarket conceding first four and then three tries without reply.
In a particularly high quality group, Newmarket next met Chelmsford who had gone undefeated all season. They threatened to run riot in the first half and scored two tries. However, in the second half Newmarket re-found some form and kept the opposition on the back foot to deny them any scoring opportunities.
Newmarket finally got on the score sheet in the fourth game against Sudbury, with Jack Watson breaking through from a tap penalty. Joe Stafford converted. A jinking run from Iain Moffat nearly put the tie to bed but he was bundled into touch just short of the line. In the meantime Sudbury managed to cross for two unconverted tries and just snatch the result.
With the timetable running very late, Newmarket moved straight into the final round robin match against Bishops Stortford. They were unable to raise their game again and, though, trying hard they lost the match to a brace of tries.
Although the results didn't go Newmarket's way it was a great event and thanks are due to Diss for the festival organisation and to the Ely players for making such a valuable contribution to the team.
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