Broadland played host to Diss 2nd XV last weekend, in a change to the scheduled league fixture having been called off by Haverhill. It was with thanks to Broadland Fixtures Secretary David Oliver who arranged an alternative fixture late on Friday night.

Broadland had only one change from the side that beat March last week with Lee Durrant joining the Back Row. Diss kicked off and from the onset it was apparent that the visitors had pace on the outside. It was only intelligent containment play from Wing Matt Scott which prevented an early score for Diss.

They maintained pressure in the Broadland half and it was left to some devastating tackles from props Matt Beckett and Richard Bristo that prevented Diss encroaching inside the Broadland five-meter line. It was a Barbarian-style counter-attack down the left wing that created Broadland's opening score. fullback Stuart Murray collected a short kick inside Broadland 22; he put in a short kick over the Diss wing and, on collecting the kick himself 10 meters further down field, immediately switched the ball inside to Wing Glen Patterson. Patterson tore through the Diss three-quarters and, after a quick ruck just inside the Diss 22, Scrum Half Burling burst through for the opening score (converted Murray)

Diss came back at Broadland hard and fast and despite good solid defensive work from Lock Jim Grey and Flanker Paul Abel, Diss managed to create an overlap to score in the corner (converted).

Broadland began to stamp their impression on the game with Broadland Centres Mark LaCock and Mark White beginning a move at the midfield which culminated in Murray Kicking through and chasing down to score under the posts (converted Murray).

Broadland were beginning to find both pace and rhythm and their attacks were now coming fast and furious. Excellent tight play from Hooker Andy Smith and Fly Half Simon Ruddick put the ball in excellent field position just inside the Diss 22. Scrum Half Burling stepped in and sent a perfect 20-yard pass to Flanker Asa Morrison, who side stepped and crashed over to score under the posts (converted Murray).

Broadland entered the half with a comfortable 14-point lead. The second half began with neither side being able to maintain a substantial gain. Broadland Coach Mark Frost then elected to shake things up with four Broadland replacements in five minutes: Benham, Prescott and Bensley all joined the forwards and Danny Hale came on to the left wing.

Broadland were soon pushing Diss back following some hard tackling from Flanker Jay Prescott and text book distribution from Fly Half Ruddick. Broadlands' pressure was rewarded when they were awarded a penalty at the Diss 5-meter line. Adam Bensley took it quickly and was brought down inches away from the tryline; Burling quickly scooped up the ball and dived over for his second score of the day (unconverted).

Broadland were pulling slowly away but were failing to capitalise on opportunities due to some excellent play from Diss. Broadland made their final substitution of the day with Mickey Pywell coming onto the Wing.

Broadlands' final score came following an excellent run from Wing Danny Hale, followed by some hard yards from Beckett, Smith and Benham. Burling was again on-hand at the base of the ruck to set Captain Andy Riches thundering into the Diss Line, Riches put in a neat pass to Morrison, who drove through the Diss fullback for his second score of the game (converted Murray). The whistle sounded shortly after and Broadland walked away with a comfortable home win.

Tries: A.Morrison (2), R.Burling (2), S. Murray

Conversions: S. Murray 4 of 5

Team: S.Murray, G. Patterson, M.White, M.La-Cock, M.Scott, Simon Ruddick, Rob Burling, Matt Beckett, A.Smith, R.Bristo, A.Ritches (Capt.) J.Grey, A.Morrison, P.Abel, L.Durrant

Replacements used: E.Benham, J.Prescott, A.Bensley, D.Hale, M.Pywell

Asa Morrison

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