Norwich Union 3- v 10 Broadland 1st XV

Broadland made the short trip away to visit Norwich Union for the 2003 Norfolk Plate Final. This was a re-arranged fixture from January, when the match had been called off due to a frozen pitch. Norwich Union are currently placed a league above Broadland, but the Yarmouth side have been in good form over the season, and this was destined to be a hard fought fixture.

Broadland had only one change following last weeks league win, with Ian Macintosh starting at Number 8.

Broadland kicked off and Norwich Union forced their way back into the visitors side with some excellent running rugby. The Broadland line held well but sustained pressure eventually created some space for Union to move towards the Broadland line. A penalty was awarded just inside the Broadland 22-meter line which was neatly taken to put the Norwich side in the lead.

Broadland composed themselves and made some good breaks in the middle through centres Glen Patterson and Mark White, Wing Jay Pollard also provided some good runs back inside. Broadland suffered a set back when Hooker Elliot Benham went off after being injured in a tackle; the versatile Rye Bilyard came in to join the front row.

Broadland's line out Jumpers Durrant and Morrison were in good form, and causing considerable disruption to the Union throws. Broadland's Veteran Half Back Russ Clarke came on for five minutes at Fly Half while Ruddick received treatment to a cut on his head.

Wing Lee Raven put in a devastating tackle on his opposite man in the middle of the pitch, which gave Broadland some momentum to progress down the field. Broadland got on the score sheet shortly after with a long penalty from Fullback Stuart Murray to tie the score 3-3.

The second half began with Broadland's best piece of attacking play. The Broadland Pack steadily moved the ball down the right hand side of the pitch:. Steve Browne, Ross Taylor and Jay Prescott all made good ground, The ball was driven inside Unions 22-meter line and Scrum Half Burling picked up and weaved closer to the Union Line. He passed long in the tackle to Fly Half Ruddick who went low and drove through two tackles to score and put Broadland in the lead. Murray stepped up and added another two points with a perfect conversion. Broadland then began to make tactical substitutions with Richard Bristo and Jim Grey joining the pack and John Clay coming onto the wing.

Norwich Union were not prepared to let the game go and Broadland came under a barrage of attacks. The Broadland line held firm following a number of Norwich Union penalties.

Center Glen Patterson put in a solid tackle under the post, Asa Morrison and John Clay put in a combined tackle to prevent a score in the corner. Billyard, Grey and Captain Riches put in a phenomenal work rate to ensure Norwich could not drive over. Finally Murray cleared, the whistle went, and Broadland gained their first piece of silverware of the season.

Scorers:
Tries: Ruddick,
Conversions: Murray 1/1
Penalties: Murray 1/1

Team:
S.Murray, J.Pollard, M. White, G.Patterson, L.Raven, S.Ruddick, R.Burling, R.Taylor, E.Benham, S.Brown, A.Riches, L.Durrant, A.Morrison, J.Prescott,, I.Mackintosh
Replacements: R.Bristo, R.Billyard, J.Grey, R.Clarke, J.Clay

Asa Morris

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