Broadland are Champions of Eastern Counties Three North after a comprehensive victory over Norfolk rivals Swaffham. Broadland entered the match as favourites having beaten Swaffham twice back in December, once in the league and once in the Cup. However, Broadland knew a League title was there for the taking, with injuries mounting in the Broadland pack following a long season. The Yarmouth side was forced to make some changes to its usual starting line up with Lee Durrant slotting in at Number 8 and Rye Bilyard joining the front row at Hooker.

There is also a video sequence of the victors immediately after the game (it's 1.4 MB in size - about 7.5 minutes over a modem). RIght-click here (and select 'Save Target As...') if you want it. -

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The warm dry weather provided the perfect conditions for open running rugby and the crowd were not disappointed when both clubs capitalised on the conditions to take the open approach to the game. Broadland were first on the scoreboard when Fly Half Simon Ruddick exploited a gap in the Swaffham line to connect with Centre Mark White who, after drawing his man in, set Fullback Stuart Murray free down the wing to casually clear the remaining distance to score (unconverted).

Broadlands’ open game did not stop and another break gave them their next try: Wing Lee Raven chipped, chased and touched down in the corner (converted Murray).
Swaffham rallied to the challenge and uncharacteristic mis-communication in the Broadland defensive line gave Swaffham the opportunity to strike back with a try (unconverted).

Broadland scrum was providing clean ball due to some sterling work from props Richard Bristo and Ross Taylor. The clean ball was allowing time in the centres and again the Great Yarmouth team scored from a midfield break and this time it was Flanker Prescott who put Murray in under the posts (unconverted). Broadland went into the half with a comfortable 17 - 5 lead.

The second half began with Scrum Half Burling nipping through the Swaffham defence for one of his speciality tries (converted Murray).

Swaffham came back with conviction and it was hard-hitting tackling from Flanker Asa Morrison and Number 8 Lee Durrant that finally prevented any further Swaffham gain. Broadlands first replacement of the game was a welcome return to first time action for the motivational Tight Head Prop Graham Thompson.

The home side ability to play an open game was again highlighted by another try in the club house corner. This time Wing Jay Pollard collected a kick through, picked up and dived over (unconverted).

Broadland then made their second substitution, this time with Veteran Hooker Kev Collins joining the front row. Wing Jay Pollard was involved in another score shortly after, this time as the provider when he put Full Back Murray away for his hat trick of tries (unconverted)
Broadland seemed to relax just enough for Swaffham to capitalise on the counter, and after some spontaneous play near the left wing, the Swaffham Wing crashed over (converted).

Swaffhams resurgence was short lived when Centre Glen Patterson added to Broadlands tally with a well worked try, which put the match well beyond the visitors reach (converted Murray)
Prop Ross Taylor nearly increased Broadlands score, and despite crashing though three tacklers, was adjudged to have been held up just short of the score. Captain Riches and Second Row partner Jim Grey continued with their devastating rucking that Swaffham was struggling to contend with. Broadlands final try of the game came when fly half Ruddick switched with Flanker Jay Prescott, to allow Prescott to crash through for the score (converted Murray).

The Final whistle went and Broadland finished the Season at the top of the division
Broadland can know look forward to the end of season Gentlemen's Dinner
to be held at the Hotel Elizabeth (at Great Yarmouth Seafront) on the 26th April, This year the speaker is former England Front Row Jeff Probyn, a limited number of tickets are Still available at the club House.

Next week Broadland play host to touring side Chesterley from the Midlands, Kick Off is at 3pm at Cobholm playing field.

Scorers:
Tries: Murray 3, Burling, Pollard, Prescott, Raven, Patterson
Conversions: Murray 4 / 8
Team:
S.Murray, L. Raven, M. White, G.Patterson, J.Pollard, S. Ruddick, R.Burling, R.Taylor, R.Billyard, R.Bristo, A.Riches (Capt.), J.Grey, A.Morrison, J.Prescott, L.Durrant
Replacements: G.Thompson, Paul Tucker, Kevin Collins

Asa Morrison

- Fixtures -