Dan Horslen makes his first team debut for Norwich v South Woodham Ferrers.

With driving rain providing the worst playing conditions of the season both sides had severe handling and ball retention problems.

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After four minutes, Norwich took the lead with a penalty from Micklethwaite but ten minutes later Ball responded with a try for the visitors after an overlap had been created on the right of a ruck.

In the second quarter Micklethwaite slotted another penalty and at half time the home side were ahead 6-5.

During the interval the wind, which had been blowing into Norwich faces reversed, and they found themselves playing into the wind again at the start of the second half.

The visitors dominated the early exchanges in the second half, scoring converted tries by Ball and Watling for a 19-6 lead. They then missed a penalty and Norwich started to play their best rugby of the match with O’Brien kicking two penalties after promising attacking moves broke down reducing the deficit to seven points.

The rain stopped for the last quarter and with six minutes to go O’Brien scored from another penalty. Norwich tried hard to score a try but at the end of the game it was the visitors who were attacking the Norwich try-line.

The defeat dropped Norwich to fourth in the league – effectively ending their challenge for promotion.