Broadland made the short away trip to travel across the border to Suffolk, to play Lowestoft and Yarmouth in the Semi Final of Woodfordes Norfolk Plate.

Broadland had never played L & Y in a competitive fixture and this was the opportunity for an optimistic Broadland team to cause an upset against local rivals, now only playing a league above the Great Yarmouth side. Broadland had limited changes to the side that beat Lakenham last week. In the Backs Mark White made the start at outside Centres, and Justin Millar returned at Scrum Half. In the Pack the was one change with Matt Beckett starting at Loose Head Prop.

L&Y Kicked off with the wind behind them, which was going to ensure the vast majority of play, was going to take place in the South East Corner of the pitch. Broadland Number 8 Iain Mackintosh caught the ball and took into contact, Broadland cleared, but with Mackintosh injured in the tackle, Captain Riches was forced to make a substitution with less than 30 seconds played. Prop Richard Bristo came on, joining the Front Row, with Matt Beckett moving to the back row. L & Y utilised the wind to full effect and kick after kick pinned Broadland back in the corner, the home side had the first break with a well worked moved, creating an opportunity to Score an unconverted try in the corner.

Broadland pieced together some play and Wing Lee Raven had half a chance on the wing, a second Broadland Injury saw Prop Khan Bilyard join the front row. However Broadland were on the receiving end of a second unconverted Try. Broadland were taking their own lineout well with Hooker Andy Smith Connecting well with Tim Fenn at the front of the line, and the Broadland Front Row were more than holding their own. A third L & Y Unconverted try began to establish a comfortable cushion for the Home side, Broadland had a penalty go wide and a fourth converted try came from the home side creating a comfortable 22-0 lead with less than thirty minutes played. Broadland were however on the score sheet with a Penalty from Full back Stuart Murray. The half concluded with Broadland having changed tactics as they mauled the maul forty yards out of their red zone, rather than kick into the wind. The referee sounded for half time.

Broadland kicked off, with the wind and immediately began to apply pressure, early possession saw Centre Mark La-Cock come close to a score, only to be adjudged to be a double movement, Mark White had a couple of good runs in the Centres and the Broadland Back row of Prescott, Morrison and Beckett were providing excellent support. Broadland Half Backs Justin Miller and Simon Ruddick were trying to create some space in the middle but despite Broadland's best efforts, could not convert territory into points. L&Y composed themselves and steadily drove their way out of the 22 with some excellent kicking; this was rewarded with an unconverted try for the home side. Broadland were down but far from out and again they took the ball deep into L & Y territory, A penalty five yards out gave Broadland an excellent platform, scrum half Miller tapped and passed out to Captain Andy Riches, who Crashed at the line, Forwards Ross Taylor and Khan Bilyard rucked over, Millar stepped in again and popped the ball up to Matt Scott, who dived over from short range (Converted Murray)

Broadland made two further substitutions with Carl Cantillion and Jay Pollard joining the backs, but despite Broadland's efforts, were unable to cross the L&Y line again.

Next week Broadland return to league action as they travel to play Essex side Brightlingsea. A win for the Yarmouth side could result in moving up to third place in the league. Broadland 2nd XV are at home to Lakenham 3rd XV in a Norfolk Merit Table Clash, both matches kick off at 2.30 pm

Tries : M.Scott Pen : Murray 1 of 2 Con : Murray 1 of 1

1st XV Team: S.Murray, M.Scott, M.White, M.La-Cock, L.Raven, S.Ruddick, J.Millar R.Taylor, A. Smith, M.Beckett, A. Riches, (Capt.), T.Fenn, J.Prescott, A. Morrison, I. Mackintosh Replacements R.Bristo (0 Min), K.Bilyard (13 Min) C.Cantillion (66 Min), J.Pollard (71 Min) Comm-Tech Man of the Match: Ross Taylor

Asa Morrison

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