Following a two week break, due to inclement weather, Broadland returned to action playing host to Beccles last Saturday following a last minute change to the fixture card. Broadland made a number of changes with Taylor, Mackintosh, Smith and Grey joining the starting line up in the pack, in the backs Lovett and Clay added some pace to the three quarters.

Following the kick-off, Beccles sustained a long period of attack, but some excellent defensive play in the lineout from Lock Jim Grey gave Broadland Fly Half Simon Ruddick the opportunity to kick clear.

Broadland Full Back Stuart Murray had a penalty hit the upright and Number 8 Mackintosh got within the Beccles five-meter line. It was however Beccles who were first on the score sheet with a piece of attacking play which stretched the Broadland defence seeing the Beccles wing crashed over in the corner for an unconverted try.

Broadland Captain Andy Riches had to utilise an early substitution following an injury to Scrum Half Rob Burling and Kyle Rogers was brought into play.

The remainder of the half was a solid battle between the two Packs with the Broadland front three of Matt Beckett, Andy Smith and Ross Taylor creating a solid platform in the scrum. Wings Johnny Clay and Matt Scott had probing runs into Beccles territory and Broadland Forward Riches and Prescott were grinding out the yards in the tight. Murray had the frustration of seeing a second penalty attempt rebound off the upright and Broadland entered the half 5 points down.

Broadland made one change at half time with Lee Raven coming onto the wing. Broadland Backs Lee Durrant, Kyle Rogers and Jack Lovett were creating opportunities in the middle of the pitch but Broadland failed to capitalise. Beccles again moved the ball into Broadland territory and some excellent last ditch defensive work from Flanker Asa Morrison prevented the score as he held the ball up over the line.

It seemed certain for a period of time Broadland were set for a score and a perfectly executed rolling maul saw the Broadland forwards march the ball deep inside Beccles 22-meter line. However Broadland again failed to convert opportunity into points.

Beccles increased their lead with a converted try shortly after following some excellent play from the visitors. It was the following kick-off which secured the away victory: Murray kicked off with a deep kick and Taylor, Prescott and Morrison all put in tackles but Beccles got the ball out quickly and created an overlap for the Beccles Centre to go the distance and score a converted try. Broadland again made some good in-roads in to Beccles 22-meter line with some good running from Ruddick and Rogers but Broadland never did manage to score that elusive try.

Penalties: S.Murray 0/2

Team: S.Murray, J.Clay, J.Lovett, L.Durrant, M.Scott, S.Ruddick, R.Burling, M.Beckett, A.Smith, R.Taylor, A. Riches (Capt.), J.Grey, A. Morrison, J.Prescott, I. Mackintosh

Next week Broadland are back in league action as they travel to play Wisbech.

Replacements Used: K.Rogers (15 Mins) L.Raven (40 Mins)

On a special note it is with great thanks to everyone involved, who made the Broadland Rugby Clubs 20th anniversary celebrations such a success with over 280 club friends, past and present players joining together to celebrate 20 years of Rugby in Great Yarmouth at the Ocean Rooms last Saturday.

Asa Morrison

- Fixtures -