Broadland's winning ways continued with a league victory over a strong Norwich Union side. It was by no means an easy task but was made even harder by the sheer volume of penalties Broadland gave away in a strong but undisciplined performance by the Great Yarmouth side.

Broadland had two changes in the pack with Elliot Benham starting at Number 8 and Ross Tayor starting at loose-head prop. In the backs, Justin Millar came in on the left wing providing a delicate balance of speed and experience to Broadlands' back line.

Broadland failed to capitalise upon early pressure and full back Murray was close to taking an early penalty, which dipped just wide of the uprights. The Norwich side were first on the board with three points when a neatly taken penalty put the home side in the lead.

Broadland were creating some good gains on the ground and forwards Ross Taylor and Matt Beckett were making inroads into the Norwich line. Following sustained pressure from the forwards, it was Open-side flanker Jay Prescott who opened the scoring for the Yarmouth side as he grasped a half chance to dive through and touchdown in the corner (unconverted).

The lead was short lived as Norwich Union replied with a long-range penalty kick. Broadland were still in high gear and Millar and Ruddick had some good runs in the mid-field. It was centre Mark White that put in a bone crunching tackle that created a turnover. With possession deep inside Norwich territory centre Mark LaCock took a short pass, rode through two tackles, off-loaded the ball to wing Raven, who drove down inside the five meter line to pop the ball up for scrum half Burling. Burling then dove over for the score (converted Murray).

Norwich Union began linking some excellent play together and it was some good work in the tight play from forwards Andy Smith and Jim Grey that eventually put the ball back in Broadlands possession. With the ball won in front of their own posts, Broadland began an impromptu attacking play in the style that would usually be reserved for a sevens tournament.

Seeing the opportunity to run rather than kick clear, LaCock headed upfield with passes between Ruddick, Morrison and Murray. A quick ruck ensued and Benham carried on, Prescott took the ball over mid field, wing Raven was on had in support and finally scrum half Burling collected a neat pass, which he then chipped-and-chased to score his second of the day (unconverted). Broadland entered the half with a comfortable 17 - 6 lead.

Broadland made one change at half time with Bristo coming on at prop. There was plenty of running rugby from both sides, and indeed both sides advanced deep into their opposition's territories without reward. Broadland made its second substitution of the game with Rye Bilyard joining the back row.

As the match progressed it became apparent that Broadland were giving away more penalties than usual. It was Captain Riches who paid the price of ten minutes in the sin bin for a technical infringement.

After some reorganisation Broadland adjusted to the situation, However things got worse for the visitors when Bilyard was sent off for retaliation, Down to thirteen men the Broadland defensive line was showing the inevitable gaps of being two men short. Norwich Union exploited their advantage and scored in the corner (unconverted).

Riches had no sooner returned to play, made his final substitution, by bringing Lee Durrant into the Second Row, when Number 8 Benham was given a yellow card for a professional foul and sent to the sin bin for ten minutes. Broadland were forced to remain in a defensive mode and despite Norwich Unions best attacking efforts Broadland managed to hold on to a valuable away league win.

Next Week Broadland play host to another Norwich based club, Crusaders. Kick-off is at 3.00 pm at Cobholm playing fields, Club House and Bar opens at 2.00 pm.

Tries: R.Burling (2) J.Prescott

Conversions: S. Murray 1 of 3 Attempts

Penalties: S.Murray 0 of 1 Attempt

Team: S.Murray, L.Raven, M.White, M.La-Cock, J.Millar, S. Ruddick, R.Burling, Matt Beckett, A.Smith, R.Taylor, A.Riches (Capt.), J.Gray, A.Morrison, J.Prescott. E.Benham

Replacements Used: R.Bristo, R.Billyard, L.Durrant

Asa Morrison

- Fixtures -