Broadland's start to the league Season stumbled at the first hurdle, and the Yarmouth side will be reflecting on how an early lead, matched with dominance in both Scrum and Line Out, as well as some excellent open play, turned into a nightmare final 25 minutes with two Broadland players being sent to the Sin Bin, and the fixture drifting from Broadland's reach. Broadland's preparation had been good, and due to the Bank Holiday weekend the 18 Man Squad had been selected well in advance. However Captain Riches was forced into last minute changes, Paul Tucker was called in at Fly Half and Paul Abel usually more at home in the pack, showed his versatility by coming in at outside Centre. Teenager Kyle Rogers was also given his first league start for the 1st XV at Full Back.

Broadland Kicked off and the game was tied into an early forwards battle, Broadland Props Beckett and Bristo, created an excellent platform in the Scrum, and Hooker Rye Billyard was connecting well with Durrant and Morrison in the lineout. An early miscommunication between Burling and Tucker created an opportunity for Harwich, but smart defensive play from Scott and Abel saw the ball cleared. Broadland's Try came from a Break from Centre Mark La-Cock who broke through the line and over the half way, a short pass, put Morrison down the side line. Rye Billyard came in support and took the ball on a switch back in field, carrying down inside the 5 meter line. Bensley and Mackintosh cleared over, to allow Scrum Half Burling to nip in and squeeze over for the score (converted Mackintosh) Broadland continued to apply steady pressure and a missed penalty, left Broadland leading by a converted try.

Harwich were on the scoreboard next with a cleanly taken penalty. Broadland did string some good attacks with Kyle Rogers and Lee Raven both having excellent runs from deep. This was complemented from some hard yards from Mackintosh and Riches in the Midfield. Shortly before halftime a line break from the Harwich Centre split the Broadland Defence, resulting in a converted try.

Broadland went into the half 10 - 7 Down. An early penalty miss from Broadland and a good Penalty from Harwich saw the home side stretch the lead, but Broadland were pushing Harwich hard, again Rogers and La-cock had great breaks, but Broadland never quite managed to convert territory into points. Broadland made its first substitution with Ross Taylor coming on at Tight Head, Taylor was then involved almost immediately with a great run off a ruck. Broadland's fortunes changed where they were reduced to 14, following a scuffle at the back of the line out, this culminated in a yellow card for Ian Mackintosh and 10 minutes in the sin bin. Down by a man, Broadland dug deep and the Broadland defensive line held firm until they were back to full strength.

Captain Riches made his final substitution with Jay Prescott coming on at flanker, but Broadland had managed barely five minutes at full strength, after prop Matt Beckett received 10 minutes in the sin bin following an off ball incident with the Harwich Scrum Half. Broadland defence again stood firm, but were not making any inroads in attack, a third Harwich penalty kick put the game, further out of reach for Broadland. When Broadland returned to full strength they were deep inside their own half. Again the Broadland defence was solid and Matt Beckett was leading by example with a devastating tackle on the Harwich Hooker. Broadland never really got out of their half and with the final whistle Broadland knew they had dropped two league points that were there for the taking.

Tomorrow Broadland are at Home to Haverhill in their first Home league game of the season. Kick Off is at 3.00 pm at Cobholm Playing fields, Great Yarmouth.

Broadland 2nd XV are also at home as they host Holt 3rd XV in a merit table fixture.

Tries: Burling Conversions: Mackintosh 1/1 Penalties: Mackintosh 0/2

Team: K.Rogers, L.Raven, P.Abel, M.La-Cock, M.Scott, P.Tucker, R.Burling, Matt Beckett, R.Billyard, R.Bristo, A.Riches (Capt.) L.Durrant, A.Bensley, A.Morrison, I.Mackintosh Replacements Used: R.Taylor (47 Mins), J.Prescott (57 Mins) Man of the Match Kyle Rogers

Asa Morrison

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