MALDON Rugby Club's first team secured a narrow 22-19 win at Thetford in round one of the Eastern Counties Cup.

After the two-and-a-half hour coach trip to Norfolk, Maldon knew they had to play conservative rugby due to the torrential rain and wind.

Maldon started strongly with the outstanding tight five dictating the play and driving deep into the opposition 22.

They won a penalty and kicked for the corner.

From the resulting line-out, Maldon formed a tight maul and drove open-side flanker James Bennett over the line for the first score of the game.

Full-back Jack White added the conversion from out wide.

Thetford continued to attempt to play an expansive game in the rain.

This played into Maldon’s hands as they piled the pressure on with strong runs from forwards and backs before slick hands released Sam Bennett for the second try of the game.

After the half-time break, Thetford came back strongly and scored twice while Maldon could only manage a penalty which White converted bringing the score to 15-12.

With three minutes to go Thetford took the a 19-15 lead after turnover ball from a Maldon mistake in midfield saw it spun wide and their winger crossing for a try.

After a rallying talk from skipper Stuart Pearson and senior player Duncan Milsted, Maldon came out all guns blazing.

They gained possession and after a powerful surge up field from Hez Crane they battered away at the Thetford line.

After multiple phases the ball was flashed out wide for winger Andrew Yardley to take advantage of an overlap and a score out wide.

The score was also converted by White, bringing the score to 22-19 and giving Maldon a hard-fought away win.