Sports Update - W/E 14th & 15th Feb

Heacham FC out of the relegation zone, Women’s Indoor Bowls team top their Division and Men’s West Norfolk Rugby team still in the mix

Football

The loyal faithful were served up a Valentine's Day gift to cherish by Heacham FC on Saturday, three points in their quest to avoid relegation.

Heacham returned from fellow strugglers Lakenheath with maximum points which lifts them out of the relegation zone of the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division.

Toby Hilliard has a tendency to turn up for the big occasion and this was no exception. His brace put the Magpies deservedly two up, including one goal set up by impressive new signing Tom Papworth-Boston from Whittlesey Athletic. 

Toby Hilliard in action earlier in the season

However, Lakenheath thought they had nicked a point, pegging Heacham back, before the returning Colby Wood stepped up to bag a winner much to the delight of the travelling support. An injury concern to Jack Prentice the only negative from the afternoon.

Colby Wood in action earlier in the season. Credit: Phill Gwilliam

Make no bones about it, this was a colossal win and puts Heacham in full control of their own destiny and the mini group of four teams all trying to avoid the drop.

Delighted manager, Mark Hunter, says, “The players fully deserved this win. The squad has worked tirelessly to keep on improving and they are understanding and implementing what we are asking from each of them. This is key for development of the squad moving forwards, and to drive success as a group for the club. The players also showed the mental resilience and composure required to deliver a result, regardless of any added importance the fixture held.”

Heacham face a similarly huge game on Saturday as they welcome another team trying to avoid relegation, Hadleigh United. Heacham know another three points here will give them some breathing space over the bottom three with twelve games to go.

Thurlow Nunn Premier Division

In Division One of the Anglian Combination League, Dersingham Rovers bounced back from last weekend’s bizarre defeat by overcoming fellow promotion hopefuls Kirkley & Pakefield Reserves 1-0 in a tight affair. Sam Peck with the all important and crucial goal. Derse remain in 4th and will probably need to secure a maximum points haul from their last nine games to secure a top two promotion berth.

In Division Four, Dersingham Reserves are up to 6th after an excellent 4-0 home win against Madra. Sonny Devlin, Joshua Seal, Kenzie Tyler and Ben Welch with the goals. The result means Derse have closed the gap to the promotion pack and do have games in hand.

In Division Two of the North West Norfolk League, Ingoldisthorpe Reserves are still in contention for a top three finish after a tight 1-1 draw with Watlington FC ‘A’. Kai Mayes with the goal.

Indoor Bowls

Hunstanton’s Women’s Indoor Bowls team have returned to the top of Division One of the Norfolk County League after a 7.5-0.5 (60-49 aggregate) mauling of bottom side Dereham. After a poor start to 2026, the team have rediscovered their mojo and can take confidence into their last three games of the season. 

Captain, Margaret Dark, says, “The game against Dereham at home was a good result, winning three rinks and tying one. We are top of the league at the moment but still face a crucial last game at Gallow ‘B’, our main rivals for the title.”

The men also top their respective Division with a key and potential title deciding match at local rivals Lynnsport ‘B’ next month.

Rugby

The men’s West Norfolk Rugby team remain on the heels of the top two in Division One East, after a thrilling 42-34 win at Shelford ll’s.

With seven games to go, just eight points divide the top three, with West Norfolk welcoming leaders Bury St. Edmunds ll’s to their Gate House Lane base in North Wootton on the 11th April in what could prove to be a crucial promotion and title decider.