Broadland provided another strong away performance last Saturday but were unable to turn opportunity into points as the Yarmouth side lost to current league leaders, Norwich-based, Crusaders.

The Broadland selection committee had made three changes to lasts weeks win over Norwich Union. In the Backs Steve Street and Mark LaCock joined the three-quarters, and in the Forwards Iain Mackintosh returned to his more familiar position of Number 8.

Broadland kicked off and had elected to play against the wind in the first half. Crusaders wasted no time in putting in deep long kicks into the Broadland half. Broadland rallied and Fly Half Jones-Rogers kicked over, wing Matt Scott was unlucky not to be able to gain possession near the Crusaders goal line. Another deep kick heralded a competent attack from the Crusaders three quarters which yielded a try in the corner unconverted.

Broadland struck back and some excellent running from Mark White and Iain Mackintosh put the ball deep into Crusaders territory but again a wind assisted deep kick saw attacking opportunity turn quickly into a defensive stand for Broadland. A rapidly wheeling Crusader scrum created the opportunity for the Number 8 to pick up and touch down for a converted try.

Broadland, forced to run the ball out of their own half, created the platform for some good attacking play from Steve Street and Mark LaCock down the wing, and the Front row of Beckett, Smith and Bristo were putting in some excellent defensive work in the scrum.

Crusaders added a penalty to stretch the lead to fifteen but Broadland ensured a steady run of their own attack forays into the Crusaders half.

Broadland Captain Andy Riches kept things going in the tight, with close support from Flankers Prescott and Abel and Crusaders attack was thwarted when Murray, Burling and Morrison combined to hold the ball up over the line. The home side stretched their lead just before half time with a converted try as one of their back row squeezed through for a score.

Following injuries Broadland were forced to make two changes at half time with Prop Ross Taylor and Wing Lee Raven being called to action. Broadland got onto the score sheet early in the half with a Penalty from Full Back Stuart Murray. Broadlands' score was almost doubled two minutes later with a second penalty which hit the uprights only to fall into Crusaders hands for the clearance.

Broadland pushed hard into the Crusaders 22 meter line and Wing Raven had a couple of decent runs, but Broadland failed to capitalise on good field position. Broadlands' final substitution was made with Jim Grey joining the pack.

The last score of the game came in the form of a close range Crusaders penalty and the remaining minutes were spent in a midfield battle. Broadland had provided a good fight but know they should have converted territory to points.

Next week Broadland are at home to University of East Anglia, kick off is at 2.15 at Cobholm playing fields. Broadland 2nd XV travel away to play Woodbridge.

Penalties : S.Murray 1/2

Team: S.Murray, S.Street, M.White, M. La-Cock M.Scott, J.Jones-Rogers, R.Burling,,M.Beckett , A. Smith, R.Bristo, A.Riches (Capt.), A. Morrison , P.Abel, J.Prescott., I. Mackintosh

Replacements Used: R.Bristo {40 mins), L.Raven (40 mins), J.Grey (68 mins)

Asa Morrison

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