Broadland Regulators joined the Tigers in the away visit to Woodbridge and three tries in the second half gave Woodbridge a comfortable win. The Regulators benefited from picking up a couple of first team players following the late cancellation of their fixture.

Captain Graeme Thomson had a number of options in the front row and as a result played himself in the unfamiliar wing position.

From the onset it became apparent that Woodbridge were intent on mauling and their big forwards capitalised on the weight advantage in the tight play. Gavin Thompson and Simon Leggett both had good runs in the centre and Mickey Pywell utilised the chip-and-chase option with Wing Graeme Thomson just short of beating the Woodbridge fullback to the ball.

Both sides battled and the Broadland Front three of Todd, Beckett and Legget were providing all the disruption in the scrum. The half ended scoreless.

There were two changes at half time with Cliff Prime joining the front row and Matt Scott coming on to the wing. The second half started and Tim Fenn and Matty Todd put in some sterling defensive work inside Broadlands 22 , but an overlap saw Woodbridge score in the corner, despite the valiant defensive work of Wing Pike and Leckermann.

Broadland were unlucky not to score as wing Matt Scott broke through, utilising skills perhaps more associated with Australian rules; Unfortunately the kick and bounce drifted in to touch. Broadland were reduced to fourteen men following two injuries and Woodbridge capitalised on the overlap to score two further tries and secure a home victory.

Team: B.Leckermann, M.Pike, Gavin Thompson, M.White, Graeme Thompson, M.Pywell, S.Ruddick, S.Leggettt, M.Todd, M.Beckett, T.Fenn, J.Gray, D.Beagrie, J.Prescott, A.Morrison.

Replacements Used: C.Prime (40 mins) M.Scott (40 mins)

This Season Broadland RFC celebrates its 20th Anniversary and is holding a Celebratory Dinner and Dance to mark the occasion at the Ocean Rooms on Saturday 28th February 2004. Anyone wishing to attend should contact 01493 748274 (daytime) or 01493 853585 (eve).

Asa Morrison

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