A NORFOLK side temporarily reduced to 14 men held out against late Suffolk pressure for a 22-12 winning margin. A similar result against Cambridgeshire on March 5 will now give Norfolk their fourth successive sub-county championship title.

A NORFOLK side temporarily reduced to 14 men held out against late Suffolk pressure for a 22-12 winning margin.

A similar result against Cambridgeshire on March 5 will now give Norfolk their fourth successive sub-county championship title.

A series of offside decisions against Suffolk allowed Norfolk to dominate the early stages and it was no surprise when a driving maul ended with Hipwell earning the touchdown. Murray, who had an excellent evening with three out of four successful kicks, added the extra points.

Norfolk stretched their lead midway through the first half with a similar try which anyone of a number of the forwards were in a position to claim. Murray was again on target with his conversion attempt.

With half-time approaching, a break by Farrer looked certain to provide another score but the final pass went astray on the try line. This Norfolk pressure was maintained and Hipwell was on hand in yet another driving maul to touch down and give Norfolk a comfortable interval lead.

Suffolk started the second half strongly and a poor tap-down at a lineout took play deep into Norfolk territory. Strong Norfolk defence held out until with 20 minutes remaining the ball was quickly moved out to Hill, who had the room and the pace to get Suffolk's first try.

A Norfolk penalty from Murray seemed to put the result beyond doubt but Suffolk had other ideas. Their strong and mobile back row ran the ball at every opportunity and kept play well inside the Norfolk half.

Quick ball to Clasby, who had taken over at scrum-half, allowed him to dummy his way over for a try. Le Marqland's conversion reduced the gap to 10 points but by then it was too late.