Broadland played host to league leaders Newmarket last weekend, a match that Broadland had to win to have a realistic chance at the league title. Had it not been for a lack lust performance from Broadland In the first ten minutes the result would have almost certainly gone Broadland's way. Captain Andy Riches opted for only one change to their last league fixture, with Ben Hodds joining the back row.

It was however all change on the Bench as Rob Burling, Ross Taylor and Elliot Benham all returned to the 1st XV squad. Broadland kicked off in a cross wind which was going to ensure the vast majority of play was going to be on the North Eastern side of the pitch. Broadland's start could not have been any worse, Newmarket returned the kick deep into Broadland Territory, a quick attacking ruck saw Newmarket, gain clean position and allow the scrum half to offload to a forward to score a converted try within the opening minutes of the game. The ensuing kick off again saw the Visitors make in roads into the Broadland half. Broadland's defence held firm for two attacks, but on the third Newmarket spread the ball wide to extend the lead with an unconverted try.

The second score seemed to have some effect on Broadland and the Yarmouth side began to string together some attacking moves, Both Centres Mark White and Mark La-Cock gained some going ground in the Tight. Fly Half Simon Ruddick was ensuring that Broadland were using their full range of plays, by adopting a multi faceted approach to unlock the Newmarket defence, Ruddick utilised both Three Quarters, Forwards and Full Back to move the ball steadily towards the goal line. Captain Riches drove the ball inside the five with Forwards Matt Beckett and Richard Bristo driving over. Scrum Half Russ Clarke stepped in and spun the ball blind side to Full Back Stuart Murray. Murray stepped then chipped the ball over the goal line. Wing Matt Scott was on hand and in the ensuing footrace Scott touched down at the back of the goal area for Broadland's opening score (Unconverted). With no further scores in the half Broadland trailed 12-5 at the midway point.

Broadland made two replacements at half time with Rob Burling coming on at scrum half and Ross Taylor joining the pack. The second half kicked off and Broadland had the advantage of the wind, it was not long before Broadland found themselves deep in Newmarket territory following some excellent running from Wing Kyle Rogers. Broadland pushed at the Newmarket line with Broadland's Back Row of Ben Hodds, Jay Prescott and Asa Morrison all having good runs. Broadland Hooker Andy Smith was managing to connect with Tim Fenn at the Front of the Line out despite the cross wind causing havoc to both sides Lineouts. However Broadland were unable to cross the Newmarket line.

Broadland's final replacement came with Elliot Benham proving some fresh legs in the pack. For the last twenty minutes Broadland contained Newmarket and despite Broadland's superior territorial advantage the home side were unable to cross Newmarket's goal line, resulting in Newmarket winning by a 12 - 5 margin. Unless other results go in Broadland's favour, Broadland's promotional route now almost certainly lies through the runner up place, which looks set to be a three way battle between Swaffham, Fakenham and Broadland

Next week Both Broadland sides are involved in away friendlies, Broadland 1st XV, travel across the Border for the East Coast Derby to play Lowestoft and Yarmouth 1st XV. Broadland 2nd XV travel to Play Ipswich YM 2nd XV both matches are scheduled for 2.15pm kick offs.

Tries: M.Scott Conversions: S.Murray 0 of 1 1st XV Team: S.Murray, K. Rogers, M.La-Cock, M.White, M.Scott, S.Ruddick, R.Clarke, M.Beckett A. Smith, R.Bristo, A. Riches, (Capt.), T.Fenn, J.Prescott, B.Hodds, A.Morrison Replacements R.Burling (40 mins), R.Taylor (40 Mins), E.Benham (59 mins)

Asa Morrison

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