Broadland finished their league season with a comprehensive win over Swaffham, The Victory moved the Yarmouth side into a credible third place in Eastern Counties Two. Broadland's recent league form has been first class, Scoring 15 tries and allowing only 23 points in the final five league games.

Broadland Selection committee only made two changes, In the Backs Stuart Murray returned at Fullback and in the Forwards Andy Smith returned at Hooker. Broadland kicked off, and early territorial advantage seemed to favour Broadland. The Front row of Bristo, Smith and Taylor were providing an excellent platform for the Broadland backs to put in some good runs. The Broadland line out was working well and Morrison and Fenn were causing considerable disruption to the Swaffham line. Broadland's first break came when a loose ball was collected by Scrum Half Burling, who broke through the Swafham line, 22 meter out Burling kicked over, Wing Matt Scott collected on the bounce and touched down under the posts (Converted Murray). Broadland were soon back deep in Swaffham territory, Fly Half Ruddick put in an inch perfect pass to Centre Ian Mackintosh, Mackintosh rode two tackles to dive over for the score.

Swaffham were struggling to contain Broadland's backs, and Wing Matt Scott broke wide, a perfectly timed kick through, allowed Fullback Stuart Murray the space to beat his opposite number and score in the corner (unconverted). Swaffham were on a back foot and the Broadland Back row of Morrison, Prescott and Bilyard were giving no ground to the visitors. Broadland's next try came from a break from their own half Scrum Half Burling broke clear, drew the Swaffham full back before putting Murray clear from the half way line to score Broadland's fourth (converted Murray). Broadland were dominating the game in both pack and in the backs and Captain Riches was leading by example with some excellent running in the tight.

Centre Mark White and Wing Kyle Rogers were combining well and Broadland looked as if it was only a question of time before they scored again. Swaffham finally ended up with some possession at the half way line, a well struck kick to touch, gave the visitors a five meter line out. They won the ball cleanly, Swaffham set the Maul, the Broadland defence stacked the maul too heavily on the Blindside and Swaffham rolled in and over for an unconverted try. The half time whistle sounded following the conversion attempt.

The half time break seemed to have an adverse effect on both sides, as the overall pace of the match slowed. Captain Riches made three changes midway through the half with Wing Lee Raven, Prop Graham Thompson and Centre Mark La-Cock all coming on. Centre Mark La-Cock made an immediate impact with his first touch of the ball breaking out of the Broadland 22 meter line and over the half way point. Broadland steadily moved the ball towards the Swaffham line. Broadland were awarded a scrum at the five meter line, however the Yarmouth side failed to capitalise on the opportunity, and the Scrum went to Swaffham. Broadland surged at the Scrum, Swaffham buckled, the ball popped out the back, and Scrum Half Burling out stretched his opposite number to Score (Converted Murray).

Broadland always looked like scoring in the final ten minutes, however half chances never quite went Broadland's way. The whistle sounded for Broadland to win and move into third place in the league.

Next week Broadland travel to play Norwich 2nd XV in a friendly, the Second XV play host to Norwich 3rd XV at Cobholm playing fields, both matches kick off at 3.00pm.

Tries: Murray 2, Burling, Scott, Mackintosh

Con: Murray 4 of 5

1st XV Team:

S.Murray, K.Rogers, M.White, I. Mackintosh, M.Scott, S.Ruddick, R.Burling R.Taylor, A. Smith, R.Bristo, A. Riches, (Capt.), T.Fenn, A. Morrison, J.Prescott R.Bilyard

Replacements M.La-Cock (Blood Replacement 43-49) (65 Mins), G.Thompson (62 Mins), L.Raven (58 Mins)

Broadland Annual Inter Club sevens will take place on Saturday 7th May, Player registration is at 11.30am and Matches kick off at 12.30pm. The Clubhouse and Bar will be open from 11.15 am.

Asa Morrison

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