Broadland returned to league matches last weekend and travelled to play Norfolk rivals Swaffham, in what was always going to be a close fought fixture. Broadland had only two changes in the pack with Ian Mackintosh coming in at Number 8, and Club Captain Andy Riches returning from injury to join the second row. In the backs Kyle Rogers made the start at outside centre. Broadland got off to an early three point lead as fullback Stuart Murray chipped over a penalty. Before the Match drifted into a long period of mid field ruck and maul. Broadland props Mat Beckett and Richard Bristo were providing a solid platform and the Broadland back row of Billyard, Prescott and Mackintosh were setting up some excellent ruck ball.

The first try came from Swaffham, with a penalty awarded, and two Broadland players down receiving treatment, Swaffham took a quick penalty down the blind side, capitalising on Broadland being a Wing and Centre short. With players down Broadland failed to cover the over lap and the Swaffham Fullback went through to score converted try. Broadland developed some excellent attacking plays, and Fly Half Paul Tucker had a stunning run in the midfield which left two would be tacklers grasping at thin air. However Broadland were unable to cross the home side's goal-line.

The half Time whistle went with Broadland trailing 7 - 3. Broadland Captain Andy Riches made one Substitution at Half Time with Simon Ruddick coming on to join the backs. Early in the second half Swaffham had progressed deep into Broadland territory, A Swafham Scrum was held at the five, however the Swafham Half backs managed to get the ball wide for the full back to squeeze through for an unconverted try. Swaffham extended their lead with a short range penalty. Broadland made a second substitution, this time with Prop Graham Thompson joining the front row.

Broadland were working well in the line out and Hooker Andy Smith was connecting with both Billyard and Morrison well, Broadland were also providing plenty of disruption to Swaffhams lineouts. Following sustained pressure Broadland finally made some real inroads into the Swafham half. Scrum Half Russ Clarke put in a long pass to Mark White, who carried on, to off load in the tackle to Kyle Rogers. Rogers with try line in sight drew his man and popped the ball out to Wing Lee Raven who dived over to score in the corner (unconverted). Broadland knew they were short of time and immediately swarmed at the Swaffham goal line, Wing Matt Scott put in a long kick, which was grounded by Swaffham behind the try line. Broadland knew that this Scrum would be the final play of the game. Hooker Smith secured the ball and Scrum Half Clarke sent the ball wide a brief maul finally saw Broadland forced into touch painfully close to the Swaffham line. This was followed by the final whistle.

Next week Broadland play host to Norwich Union in the League, Kick off is at 2.15 pm at Cobholm playing fields. Broadland 2nd XV travel to play Holt 3rds in a merit table fixture kick off at 2.15 pm.

Tries: L. Raven Conversions: S.Murray 0 of 1 Penalties: S.Murray 1 of 1 1st XV Team: S.Murray, L.Raven, M.White, K. Rogers, M.Scott, P.Tucker, R.Clarke, M.Beckett A. Smith, R.Bristo, A. Riches, (Capt.), A.Morrison, R.Billyard, J.Prescott, I. Mackintosh Replacements Si. Ruddick (40 mins) Gr. Thompson (62 mins) Comm-Tech Man of the match: Scrum Half - Russell Clarke

Asa Morrison

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