Broadland made a second away trip to the Essex coast in as many weeks in another tough league fixture. They knew that a win was essential to maintain their position at the top of the league but, unfortunately, Brightlingsea also needed the points and despite a strong performance from Broadland, it was Brightlingsea's day.

Broadland had two changes from last week with Lee Raven joining the Wing and Richard Bristo starting at Loose-head Prop. Brightlingsea elected to kick and immediately put the visitors under pressure. Some intelligent defensive work from Ruddick and Patterson put Broadland in the clear. Neither side made much impact for the first twenty minutes but eventually Brightlingsea broke the deadlock with a well worked move in the centres, which resulted in a try for the home side (converted). Brightlingsea continued to push and added a penalty to take the half time score to 10-0.

At the start of the second half, Brightlingsea were making some good ground down the right side when Broadland Full back Murray picked off an interception and went the length of the field to put Broadland back in the game. Brightlingsea composed themselves and a break down the middle of the pitch from their Back Row created an overlap Broadland could not cover and the home side stretched their lead (unconverted).

Broadland made then made their first substitution with Justin Miller coming on at Fly Half for Simon Ruddick. Broadland then moved a sustained attack down the right wing and some tight work from Captain Andy Riches and Iain Macintosh, created some space in the middle for Centre Mark White to step in and send Murray away for his second try of the game (unconverted).

Broadland were forced to make a second substitution following an Injury to Flanker Asa Morrison with Lee Durrant making a return to first team duty following knee surgery towards the end of last year. Broadland picked up where they had left off and a free kick on the wing gave Scrum Half Rob Burling the opportunity to put in a neat pass to Hooker Elliot Benham who crashed through for a score (unconverted)

Broadland were forced to make another substitution this time with Neil Blizzard coming on for Benham who had been injured in a tackle. Broadland held the lead for a short time, but Brightlingsea were soon back in front after a drop goal was chipped over. Broadland rallied but could not get within scoring distance. Brightlingsea gained possession and broke through to score (unconverted). Broadland fought until the final whistle but could not reach the Brightlingsea goal line. The result creates a three-way tie at the top of Eastern Counties Three and with only two games remaining the title could go down to points difference.

Next week Broadland 1st XV are at home in a friendly against Dereham, the following week they travel to Witham in their must win penultimate league game.

Scorers

Tries: Murray (2) Benham

Conversions: Murray 1

Team: S.Murray, J.Pollard, M. White, G.Patterson, L.Raven, S.Ruddick, R.Burling, R.Taylor, E.Benham, R.Bristo, A.Ritches, J.Gray, A.Morrison, J.Prescott, I.Mackintosh

Replacements, L.Durrant, N.Blizzard, J.Miller

Asa Morrison

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