Broadland 1st XV completed their season with a disappointing but entertaining friendly against Norwich 2nd XV. Following the completion of the league last week a number of the senior players made way to a side containing a number of the clubs promising young players and some familiar veterans.

Tristan Barber secured his first team debut and Sam French gained his first start, having been a replacement earlier in the season. Ed Dixon and Gareth Richardson also had their second outing with the first team. It was also a return to the 1st XV Line up for more experienced Veterans to show a few old tricks with Lee Durant, Kev Collins, Neil Blizzard and Justin Miller all coming into the side.

Norwich Kicked off and early territorial advantage was soon turned in to points as Broadland were put on an early back foot with a converted try. Broadland defence was leaving gaps and Norwich were clinical in taking opportunities, Full Back Lee Durrant was fighting a rear guard defence, but was powerless to defend a four on one situation and Norwich extended their lead to 14-0. The Broadland pack were performing well and both French and Fenn were working hard in the tight. Wing Barber had a couple of Half Chances and Scrum Half Miller was probing the Norwich defensive line always looking for an opportunity. The situation however worsened as Norwich went over for an unconverted try. Broadland did however get onto the score sheet before the half ended with a perfectly taken interception from Centre Lee Raven, who picked off a Norwich pass and went fifty yards to score (unconverted) Norwich led at the half 19 - 5.

Broadland made some early substitutions in the first few minutes of the second half with Club Captain Andy Riches, Rye Bilyard and Terry Bristo all coming on. The substitution saw the unusual occurrence of Bristo Senior joining Bristo Junior in the Front Row, with a Father and Son combination in the Front Row. Broadland were soon back in attacking action, Ed Dixon fielded a kick at the half way line and took the ball across the pitch and into the Norwich half, Dixon linked with Fly Half La-Cock who took the ball inside the 22. La-Cock was tackled but managed to off load the ball inside to Flanker Asa Morison who covered the final 20 meters to score under the posts (converted Miller)

Broadland's rally was short lived as the Norwich fly half wriggled over to extend their lead (unconverted). The Yarmouth side were stringing some excellent attacking plays together with some great Rucking from Riches and Taylor, Broadland pulled the Visitors across the park. A break from Dixon saw Raven released down the wing, Raven kicked through just outside the 22 meter line but was tackled late, being in an almost certain scoring situation the referee awarded a Penalty Try (unconverted)

Broadland hopes of getting back in the game were short lived as Norwich concluded the days play with a converted try.

Tries: Raven, Morrison, Penalty Try

Con: Miller 1 of 3

1st XV Team:

L.Durrant, T.Barber, L.Raven, E.Dixon, N.Blizzard, M.La-Cock, J.Miller R.Taylor, K.Collins, R.Bristo, T.Fenn, S.French, A. Morrison, G.Richardson, M.Cammock

Replacements R.Bilyard (40 Mins) A.Riches (44 Mins), T.Bristo (50 Mins)

This Saturday see Broadland's Annual Inter Club sevens. Player registration is at 11.30am and Matches kick off at 12.30pm. The Clubhouse and Bar will be open from 11.15 am. All players past, present and future are welcome.

Asa Morrison

- Fixtures -