Broadland had a rest from league fixtures with a friendly against Diss 2nd XV. With Diss 1st XV playing some five divisions above Broadland, the Yarmouth side knew that their 2nd Team would be a tough test even without the inclusion of four 1st Team players. Broadland had four changes from last weeks league win over March with Bristo, Abel and Blizzard starting in the pack and LaCock joining the three-quarters.

Broadland kicked off and were immediately in trouble as the opening kick was passed along the Diss line to be returned for a score (converted). Broadland had no time to compose themselves as again Diss thundered towards the Broadland line. This time the visitors held firm for a short time but, it was not long before Diss scored again (unconverted).

Broadland were in disarray and before fifteen minutes had elapsed Diss had scored again (converted) and found themselves 19-0 down. The visitors then began to hold the line as tackles were being made: in particular some outstanding tackles in the middle of the park from Centre Mark White; with this, Broadland began to encroach into the Diss half for the first time.

A solid Broadland scrum due to some hard work from Props Browne and Bristo yielded a penalty: Captain Simon Ruddick took a quick tap and weaved his way towards the Diss goal line where a short pass put Centre Glen Patterson over for the score (converted Murray).

Broadland kept the pressure on and another penalty was neatly kicked over the upright by Fullback Murray; Broadland had put themselves back into the game.

Diss came back hard and capitalised on an overlap on the wing; to score in the corner (unconverted).

However, Broadland play was beginning to find form and the visiting side was beginning to make ground. An injury to Abel saw Lee Raven join the backs and LaCock move up to the forwards. The halftime whistle went with Broadland trailing 24-10.

Early in the second half Broadland were awarded a penalty almost under their own goalposts, and, as the Diss side were reorganising, Lock Jim Grey took a quick tap and headed up field. A short pass sent LaCock crashing through two tackles and Broadland were breaking away. LaCock managed to get a pass off to Mark White around the half way line, and it was then a foot race between White and two Diss backs for the line. After a couple of changes in direction White dived over in the corner for a spectacular try which was duly converted by Murray.

Diss responded quickly and despite some good defensive work (notably from Flanker Jay Prescott and wing Jay Pollard) found a gap to touchdown in the corner (unconverted).

Broadland responded and sustained pressure inside the Diss half set up a ruck inside the Diss 22. Scrum half Burling put in a long pass to Number 8 Asa Morrison, who crashed through the Diss line for a score (unconverted).

Diss pressed hard and it was stout defence from Broadland that prevented a score. Broadland were awarded a penalty just outside the Diss 22, Burling took it quickly, and made for the Diss goal line. He offloaded the ball to Hooker Benham who stiff-armed a would-be tackler to sprint the remaining distance to score; Broadland were within two points! With time expiring, Stuart Murray stepped up to take the conversion far on the left hand side of the field, he sent a neat, long kick through the uprights to tie the game.

The final whistle went after one last Diss attack and the game was drawn.

Broadland 1st XV are away to Harwich and Dovercourt next week in an Eastern Counties League fixture and Broadland 2nd XV play host to Lakenham Hewitt 2nd XV in the Norfolk Merit Table Two.

Team: S.Murray, J.Pollard, M. White, G.Patterson, M.La-Cock, S.Ruddick(Capt.),, R.Burling, R.Bristo, E.Benham, S.Brown, N. Blizzard, J.Gray, A.P.Abel, J.Prescott, A.Morrison

Replacement: L.Raven

Asa Morrison

- Fixtures -