Broadland faced their toughest league test this season with an away trip to league leaders Newmarket. Broadland knew a win would be difficult but certainly not impossible, following the two sides last encounter back in January in a real cliff-hanger of a match in which the Great Yarmouth side won 7 - 6.

Broadland had limited changes, only one change in the backs with Russell Clarke starting at Scrum Half, and in the Forwards Ian Mackintosh, Asa Morrison and Andy Smith all returned to the pack. Newmarket kicked off, Broadland collected and both packs collided to set the president for the afternoons play. Broadland had some early successful rucking and made some good ground through Captain Andy Riches and Number 8 Ian Mackintosh. The Broadland Centre also had some good runs at the Newmarket line with Steve Street and Mark White linking well. Newmarket tested the Broadland defensive lines and Broadland held firm wide, however the first score of the day came from Newmarket, when missed through the middle created enough space for the number 8, to score a converted try under the posts.

Broadland rallied and made a number of forays into the Newmarket Half, Smith and Fenn were connecting well in the lineout and Prescott and Beckett were making their presence felt in both the rucks and Mauls. Despite some excellent play from Broadland, Newmarket increased their lead as their fullback went over in the corner for a converted try. Broadland were almost on the score sheet through Wing Matt Scott, who followed a kick through into open field only to get a really unlucky bounce, which was just out of reach. The halftime whistle sounded with Broadland trailing by 14.

Broadland made one replacement at half time with Lee Durrant joining the second row. Broadland were soon on the score sheet and with possession won from the kick off through Mackintosh and Durrant, Broadland set the first of five quick rucks. A penalty was awarded and Fullback Stuart Murray neatly slotted it over from 30 yards out. Broadland entered an excellent passage of play with Half Back Tucker and Clarke directing the forward play Broadland utilised both ruck and maul to full effect, this yielded a Second penalty from Murray bringing the score to 14- 6.

Broadland attack was in full flow and Wing Lee Raven had a couple of half chances on the wing, Murray was unlucky to see a third penalty drift just wide. Broadland made two further substitutions first with Rye Billyard joining the back row and Richard Bristo coming on at prop. Time was beginning to run out for Broadland and despite some good play; they were struggling to penetrate into the Newmarket half. Newmarket sealed the win with an unconverted try in the corner to take the match beyond Broadland's reach.

Next week Broadland First XV are scheduled for a rest week and Broadland 2nd XV travel away to play Diss 4th XV,

Penalties: Murray 2 of 3

1st XV Team: S.Murray, L.Raven, M.White, S.Street, M.Scott, P.Tucker, R.Clarke, M.Beckett, A. Smith, D. Dimmond A. Riches, T.Fenn, A.Morrison, J.Prescott, I. Mackintosh Replacements L. Durrant (40 Mins), R.Billyard (61 Mins) R.Bristo (68 Mins)

Asa Morrison

- Fixtures -