Broadland returned to league rugby knowing that a home win would move the Great Yarmouth side into second place in Eastern Counties Two. However, Broadland made a step nearer a mid-table position following a devastating first half performance from Wisbech as they amassed an impressive 48 points, with little fight from a Broadland side very much in the doldrums for the opening half.

Broadland had a handful of changes, with Justin Millar coming in at stand off, Lee Raven and Matt Scott on the Wings and Number 8 Ian Mackintosh: all returning from injury.

From the opening kick-off Wisbech carved its way through the Broadland defensive line and Broadland were two converted tries down within 10 minutes.

Broadlands' first foray into Wisbech territory, following good running from LaCock, was rewarded with a penalty, this was neatly taken by Mackintosh.

Wisbech were certainly not deterred and despite some excellent tackling from Beckett and Prescott, Wisbech stretched the lead with another score. Broadland were forced to make their first substitution following an injury to Pollard, with Benham joining the backs.

Broadland were comfortable winning possession in both line out and scrum but were failing to penetrate a solid Wisbech defence. Wisbech began to score to order with another two unconverted tries, solely down to excellent support play from the Wisbech back row.

Broadland managed one stint inside the Wisbech five-meter line with Prescott, Riches and Morrison all coming close to a score, but failed to convert opportunity to points.

With the Wisbech backs in overdrive Broadland were leaking tries, this time with the North Norfolk wing dancing down the sideline for an unconverted try.

This was then followed by a Number 8 pick up for another converted try.

Another Broadland injury saw Veteran Lee Durrant came on at Full Back. Broadland were gaining ground but hard work always seemed to result in a turnover and a swarm of Wisbech players seeking another score. Wisbech finished the half with a converted try to provide Broadland with a 48 - 3 deficit.

Something obviously inspired Broadland during the 5 minute recess. After Captain Riches directives of a tighter defensive line and secure attacking platform, Broadland did just that. Wisbech began to find that gaps that had opened up before them in the first-half, were being closed down quick. Smith, Taylor and Gray were putting some excellent work in the tight, and Wisbech were being harassed off the ball, Backs Durrant and Benham were creating some excellent opportunities and again Broadland raided the Wisbech 22.

After several minutes of solid defensive play from Wisbech, they finally pushed Broadland back to the half-way line. The Broadland second half performance was a mere shadow of the lacklustre performance of the first half. Wisbech did manage a breakaway score mid way through the half but Broadland had certainly found their competitive edge.

The final 20 minutes was an exchange of possession between the both teams 22-meter lines and the final whistle went with Broadland just conceding one try in the second half.

Penalties: Mackintosh 1 of 2

Team: J.Pollard, L.Raven, M.La-Cock, M.Scott, J.Millar, R.Burling, M.Beckett, A.Smith, R.Taylor, A.Riches (capt), J.Gray, A.Morrison, J.Prescott, I.Mackintosh

Replacements Used: E.Benham (17 mins), L.Durrant (33 mins)

Asa Morrison

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