Broadland's recent good form was extended with a fourth consecutive away win with a solid performance against league rivals Harwich & Dovercourt; a result that puts the Great Yarmouth side comfortably in the top half of Eastern Counties 2.

Broadland only had limited changes on the previous week, with returns to the starting line up for Full Back Stuart Murray, and forwards Jim Grey and Andy Smith.

Broadland kicked off and following Harwich's first attacking play Broadland Prop Ross Taylor was injured making a tackle. Broadland Captain Riches was forced to use Broadlands' only travelling substitute almost immediately as Richard Bristo was called in to action.

Broadland made the most of good field position as Full Back Murray put over two early penalties to put the visitors into the lead. Harwich pushed hard but the Broadland defence again was in excellent form and the Essex side failed to convert territory into points. Centres Raven and LaCock had some good runs in the middle and Wing Matt Scott had an excellent run down the left wing but there were no further scores in the first half.

Broadland had the bulk of the pressure early in the second half. Wing Johnny Clay had two good weaving runs deep into opposition territory, the second of which created the platform for Broadlands' only try: Broadland were awarded a try in the corner on the Harwich 5-meter line. The experience of veteran Scrum half Rob Burling saw him guide the Broadland scrum close to the goal line. Number 8 Lee Durrant picked up and headed for the line and as he was tackled passed the ball back inside to Flanker Asa Morrison who was coming round in support. Morrison moved across the pitch to pop the ball up for Jones-Rogers. With the Harwich defence bearing down, Jones-Rogers flicked the ball on to Centre Mark La-Cock who went through untouched to score (converted Murray).

Harwich raised their game in response and were soon deep inside Broadlands' half. With the Broadland front row of Beckett, Smith and Bristo more than holding their own, Harwich were forced to take it wide. Despite a number of good tackles the Harwich Centre was on hand to score an unconverted try to put Harwich back in the game.

Harwich's second half attack continued and both Bristo and Morrison prevented Harwich tries through holding the ball up over the line. Broadland almost extended their lead with a set-piece drop goal from Fly Half Jones-Rogers but despite the height and distance the ball went just wide.

The Broadland Second Row, Andy Riches and Jim Grey, added a further dimension to the Broadland attacking portfolio with a shining example of pick-and-dive play, and a frustrated Harwich side were almost powerless as the Broadland pack moved the ball slowly down the field, using up plenty of time and slowly encroaching into scoring distance. The Harwich frustration showed as they gave away a penalty under the posts and Full Back Murray stepped up to extend the Broadland Lead.

Harwich were certainly not prepared to give up and only excellent tackles from Prescott and Burling prevented Harwich breaks. In the dying minutes the Harwich Fly Half saw an attempted consolation drop-goal go wide and Harwich never managed to capitalise on excellent field position. The whistle went to give Broadland another league win.

A special mention must go to Andy Taylor whose support (whatever the weather) over the last few months has been greatly appreciated.

Next week both sides are at home: Broadland 1st XV play host to Thetford 2nd XV and the Tigers entertain Wymondham 2nd XV both games kick off at 2.15 pm at Cobholm Playing fields.

Tries: M.La-Cock

Conversions: S.Murray 1/1

Penalties: S.Murray 3/3

Drop Goals: J.Jones-Rogers 0/1

Team: L.Durrant, J.Clay, L.Raven, M.La-Cock M.Scott, J.Jones-Rogers, R.Burling,, M.Beckett, A. Smith, R.Taylor R.Bristo, A.Riches (Capt.),J.Grey, A. Morrison, J.Prescott.

Replacements Used: R.Bristo (2 Mins)

Asa Morrison

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