The individual points gained by their two top scorers reflects, in some way, the difference between the teams with Iceni’s number 8, Yas Amber, getting 9 compared to West Norfolk’s fly-half, Georgia Lingham’s ,16.

The Iceni came out of the blocks full of energy and self-belief and, following 3 scrums in West’s red zone attacked left for fly-half Emma Goate to claim the first try. This was unconverted and the hosts led by 5-0.

Five minutes later Georgia Lingham intercepted a half-back pass and ran 20 metres to claim a converted try under the posts; this was soon followed by her second try and the score went to 5-12.

Both sides’ defences were tackling well until the balsas moved right to Lucy Philpott on the wing who sprinted 50 metres shifting the ball inside for Emma Goate to score again. Gracie Besant converted to make the score level at 12-12.

West’s kick off was changed to an Iceni penalty due to some back chat and the Iceni attacked again, however the ball was lost leading to West Norfolk running I another converted try, 12-19. West Norfolk kept the pressure up and, good running by their outside centre got the ball back into Colchester’s half, this was passed to the left winger who scored in the corner - 12-24.

The Iceni restarted this vibrant match with scrums and line outs being won by the side putting the ball in with West Norfolk just having an edge in the handling by the backs. Soon Georgia achieved her hat-trick bringing the score to 12-31.

Coach Danny Whiteman rang the changes in the interval bringing back on Kiera Chittenden and starting Maddie Seal and Beth Philpott.

West Norfolk’s kick off didn’t make 10 metres so Iceni had a scrum the centre spot which they won’t picked up a penalty for offside. After 20 minutes of nip and tuck West Norfolk scored again under the posts but the conversion was missed bringing the score to 19-36.

Both sides redoubled their efforts and ground work by Iceni’s flankers, Kat Richardson and Sian Plume stemmed the visitors’ advances. Indeed Kat rounded off a good Iceni move to score by the posts. Yas converted the try touring the score to 24-36.

West Norfolk had the last word though when, following a line-out they carried out a catch and drive manoeuvre, taking them over the line to claim a 26-43 victory.

It should be mentioned that Iceni’s fullback,Gracie Besant, sustained a nasty knee injury during the second half and had to be taken to hospital and all the squad wish her a speedy recovery.

Iceni’s Player of the Match was awarded to the timeless scrum half Jess Brennan and was presented by the Managing Director of Tru 7, who sponsor the award. Kat Richardson won the Under the Radar award for her untiring work around the field of play.

Coach Graham Seal said after the mach that he was disappointed lose but happy with the women’s performance.