Broadland's winning ways continued with a comprehensive victory over Norfolk rivals Swaffham, in the first round of the Norfolk Junior Cup. Broadland's performance may not have been technically perfect; it was at the very least effective. Broadland had a number of changes to contend with, following a high level of short term squad injuries. Second Row Lee Durrant collected the Captaincy reins in the absence of both Captain and Vice Captain, there were also a number of positional changes, and players who had been nominated a rest week were called back into action, notably Ian Mackintosh who lined up unusually on the Wing. Playmaker Russell Clarke came in at Scrum Half, Kyle Rogers Moved into outside centre; with Mark White moving to the Inside centre position.

In the Forwards Adam Bensley and Asa Morrison returned at Number 8 and Number 6 respectively. Hooker Khan Billyard and Second Row Tim Fenn also had first team starts. Broadland kicked off and managed to convert early territorial advantage into an early lead as Full Back Murray chipped over a penalty. Swaffham then made inroads into the Broadland Defence but some solid tackling from Bensley and Morrison thwarted good field position being turned into points.

Broadland then mounted their own attack. Some intelligent play from White and Rogers, gave Broadland the opportunity to move deep inside Swaffham's 22. A quick ruck from Fenn and Durrant saw Scrum Half Clarke pass the ball out to Fly Half Paul Tucker, Tucker looked and put in the most delicate kick over the Swaffham defensive line. Broadland Prop Richard Bristo, jumped and took the ball cleanly in the air, and landed over the line for Broadland's opening try (converted Murray) Swaffham struck back with a penalty, but Broadland's Stuart Murray added a further two before the half, leaving Broadland with a comfortable 16- 3 half time lead.

Swaffham had some good attacking plays early in the second half but the Broadland pack held firm with Both Billyard and Beckett more than holding their own in the tight. Broadland's next real attacking opportunity came from a Broadland line out, Lee Durrant took a clean catch, just inside the Swaffham 22, With position won the ball moved down the Broadland line through Cantillion, and White, a quick ruck saw the ball taken out to the right wing and Flanker Jay Prescott was on hand to take the ball, Prescott feigned one pass then another, and finally a third dummy, gave just enough space, to break though and score (converted Murray).

Broadland were cruising and another attack was soon under way, a good run from Cantillion created some space, the ball came across the field, Mackintosh carried on, to off load to Fullback Murray who scored through the Swaffham line to score (Unconverted) Swaffham continued to try to work some attacks but the Broadland defence continued to hold firm. The whistle went and Broadland took a step towards a Cup final.

Next week Broadland 1st XV are back in league action as they play host to high scoring league title contenders Fakenham kick off is at 3.00pm at Cobholm playing fields. Last Saturday Broadland 2nd XV went down 68 to 5 against a well balanced and competent Fakenham 2nd XV, Broadland's only points were scored by Broadland Veteran Mickey Pywell, going over for an unconverted Try. Next week the Tigers are away to Lakenham 3rd XV in a Norfolk Merit Table Clash.

1st XV Team: S.Murray, I. Mackintosh, K.Rogers, M.White, C.Cantillion, P.Tucker, R.Clarke, M. Beckett, K.Bilyard, R.Bristo, T.Fenn, L.Durrant (Capt), A.Morrison, J.Prescott, A. Bensley

Tries: Bristo, Murray, Prescott Conversions: Murray 2 of 3 Penalties: Murray 3 of 3 Drop Goals: Murray 0 of 1

Asa Morrison

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