Woodbridge Warriors upset Southwold to win Suffolk RFU Chadacre Cup

They started fast as, from a long kick-off, Southwold fluffed the catch, knocking the ball back towards their line and into the charging dive of flanker Dan Bond who touched down in a lightning 20 seconds.

The home faithful erupted at such a bonus start, removing the threat of whitewash at least.

Southwold kicked their way up field for a prolonged assault on the home line, hooker James Hall and prop Adam Smith picking and driving against Simon Codd, Dan Taylor and Billy King in defence.

A penalty let JP Hart clear but Southwold sniffed a score and, from a scrum penalty against Woodbridge, held a line out to get quick ball first in field and then out to No 8 Jon Mayall to score.

Dan Bond's celebrates his early try for Woodbridge (Image: Archant)

The visitors immediately resumed their offensive, Wade repeatedly hoisting the ball up for his wings to chase favouring the right channel.

Woodbridge defended another five-metre threat only for Southwold to return and set up a line-out maul from which prop Smith scored to silence the home fans. With minutes to the break Woodbridge got some possession and, after Jamie Smith missed a penalty attempt, Luke Garnham gathered a clearance and ran back, winning a scrum in the Southwold 22, from which Hart and Smith fed right wing Simon Ward, who fended off defenders to score and retake the lead at 12-10.

In the second half Woodbridge remained under the cosh as Wade continued to pepper their 22 with high kicks and their heavy pack, Samuel Webby, Kristian Taylor and Peter Holmes, tested the Warriors’ tackle stamina. A quick penalty and some tasty passing ended with winger Barton scoring to take a three point lead.

The Warriors battled back, as Smith levelled the scores with a penalty, before Southwold lost two players to yellow cards, giving Smith the chance to win the game with a kick. And he duly did, to wild celebrations from the Warrior faithful.

Simon Ward on his way to a try for Woodbridge (Image: Archant)

Woodbridge coach Andrew Faultley said: “The guys pressured and the tide started to turn, it’s a testament to their commitment to each other that they held on to the final whistle.”