Broadland were finally back in action after a series of misfortunate events left the Yarmouth side without a fixture for almost seven weeks. The highly unusual lack of fixtures was due to a variety of reasons such as adverse weather, rescheduling and two last minute call offs from opposition, so it was a very rusty team, who soon shock off the cobwebs to put in a convincing six try display to defeat visitors Harwich and Dovercourt.

The enforced layoff in fixtures did however yield one benefit, with a number of injured players returning to full fitness, Captain Andy Riches and Coach Mark Frost, had a full Squad available for selection. There were a few changes from the last league fixture, in the Backs Rob Burling returned at Scrum Half; Ian Mackintosh came in at inside Centre. In the Forwards Matt Beckett joined the Front Row at Loose Head, with Ross Taylor moving into Hooker and Jay Prescott joined the Back Row.

Harwich kicked off and Broadland immediately began to move steadily towards the Harwich line. Excellent running in the Tight from Captain Andy Riches and Prop Richard Bristo moved the ball inside the 22 meter line. Harwich infringed and Fullback Stuart Murray stepped up to chip over a penalty from short range. Broadland again were on the assault and some good combination work from Burling, Raven and Morrison moved the ball deep into the Harwich half. Broadland were awarded a lineout at the Harwich five, Hooker Taylor put in a perfect ball for Tim Fenn to take and Broadland set up a maul, Bilyard Collected and with the Drive set, the Yarmouth side moved steadily towards the line, The Pack drove over the line and finally Prop Matt Beckett powered his way to the ground to Score the first try of the day (Unconverted).

Broadland were beginning to find a higher gear and Harwich seemed to be able to offer little in return, resorting to a defensive kicking game, to test the Broadland back three of Raven, Scott and Murray. Who responded by merely running the ball back at the visitors. Broadland were soon in an attacking position, a hard fought Ruck at the Harwich five meter line and some immense work from Fenn and Riches, saw the ball pop out of the side, a Harwich forward attempted to kick clear, but miss kicked and sent the ball rolling along the edge of the Goal line, Prop Forward Richard Bristo, Scooped the ball up and muscled his way over for a score (converted Murray).

Harwich began to string some attacking plays together and were threatening inside Broadland 22 meter line, with a three on two overlap Harwich looked set to score, until Full Back Murray anticipated the pass perfectly, Intercepted and went the length of the pitch unchallenged for a score under the posts (Converted Murray)

Harwich were not done and with time expiring in the half they scored an unconverted try in the corner to get on the score board. Broadland led 22 - 5 at the half.

Broadland came out firing at the second half and Centres Ian Mackintosh and Mark White were creating excellent space in the midfield, Broadland drove down close to the Harwich line. A Broadland five meter scrum was won comfortably enabling Scrum Half Burling to pick up and take the ball to the blindside, He passed out of the tackle to Flanker Asa Morrison, who side stepped and drove down for the Score (unconverted)

Broadland were beginning to run away with the match and Full Back Stuart Murray neatly added a 40 Meter Drop Goal, to complete the rare occurrence of a Full House (by scoring a try, conversion, penalty and Drop Goal in the same match)

Fly Half Simon Ruddick was directing Broadland attacking play admirably, this was complimented by excellent defensive play from the Forwards, notably Jay Prescott and Rye Bilyard who ensured that Harwich were not going to add to their score line. Broadland made two changes midway in the second half with Kyle Rogers coming onto the wing and Mark La-Cock joining the Centres.

Broadland were soon on the score sheet again when Centre Mark White spun the ball wide to Matt Scott, Scott kicked over and sent the ball over the line, followed up to beat the Harwich back three to score in the corner (Unconverted). In was Matt Scott who concluded the days play with his second, Mark La-Cock, took the ball out of Broadland 22 meter line, to put Mark White in the Clear, White then spun the ball long for Scott as he went around the outside of his man to run in a score from 60 meters(Unconverted). This left the final score at 40 - 5 in Broadland's favour.

Broadland now have two remaining league fixtures Norwich Union Away on 9th April and Swafham at Home on 23rd April, with two victories Broadland should finish the season in a respectable 3rd place.

Tries: M.Scott 2, M.Beckett, R.Bristo, S.Murray, A. Morrison

Con: S.Murray 2 of 6

Pen: S.Murray 1 of 1

Drop Goals: S.Murray 1 of 1

1st XV Team: S.Murray, M.Scott, M.White, I. Mackintosh, L.Raven, S.Ruddick, R.Burling M.Beckett, R.Taylor, R.Bristo, A. Riches, (Capt.), T.Fenn, A. Morrison, J.Prescott R.Bilyard Replacements K.Rogers (59 mins), M.La-Cock (62 Mins)

Broadland RFC are hosting their Annual Gentlemen's Dinner on 16th April at 7.30 pm at the Cliff Park Hotel, Gorleston, This years Guest Speaker is Former England Wing Rory Underwood, The evening will also see Presentations for the end of Season Awards. The event is Black Tie and Tickets are £27.50, for further details and tickets please ring 01493 850893.

Asa Morrison

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