Broadland can reflect upon an unyielding performance in the Powergen Junior National Cup against a West Norfolk side playing two leagues higher.

A Heroic first fifty minutes from the Yarmouth side, had Broadland trailing by only 7 -0, and having failed to capitalise on a number of scoring opportunities in the first half things could have been very different. Injuries played a part in the changing fortunes of Broadland in the second half, as the Kings Lynn side showed their class in the final half hour, to leave Broadland on the receiving end of a convincing defeat, with a score line that was far from reflective of a highly competitive Cup fixture.

There were a few changes to the side, It was a return to the first Team for Utility back Stuart Murray as he was called in at outside Centre. The pack was also reshuffled with Rye Billyard moving from Hooker to Flanker, Asa Morrison moving from Back row to Lock, Andy Smith came in at Hooker and Jay Prescott started at Open Side Flanker. Broadland kicked off, and immediately both sides were putting in some hard hitting tackles.

Broadland had the upper hand in the tight, with Props Matt Beckett and Danny Simmons providing superb stability up front. West Norfolk certainly had the advantage in the line out with considerable height advantage in the front jumper, making Broadland work hard for their own ball. Broadland had the first chance of the game when Centre Mark La-Cock intercepted a pass around the half way line, inside the 22 he put in a long pass to Murray who was unable to collect, and an early scoring opportunity was missed.

West Norfolk also applied pressure, and final passes went astray, to keep the match scoreless. Broadland Wing Matt Scott came close to scoring down the sideline, following some excellent play from Centre Murray but was just put into touch just short of the try line.

The Broadland pack, following some good running from Mackintosh and Prescott got the ball down within a yard of the goaline, but excellent defensive play prevented a score. Defensively Broadland were more than holding their own with Backs Raven and Rogers both making try saving tackles out on the wings. West Norfolk finally took the lead after 30 minutes, the ball popped out perpendicular to the scrum and the West Norfolk Number 8 reacted quickly, picked up and drove over for a converted score. Broadland rallied and some good work between Half Backs Burling and Tucker saw Broadland penetrate deep into the West Norfolk Half, and some excellent pick and drive play from Smith and Billyard provided a solid platform, Wing Matt Scott was again close to a score but fell just short following good defensive play from West Norfolk, Broadland went into the half trailing 7- 0.

The second half began well for Broadland a number of attacking forays and some devastating tackles from Simmons and Morrison put the Yarmouth side very much in the game. Captain Riches set up a Maul, and as the pack bound in they took the ball a clear thirty yards down field, well into the second half, however shortly after West Norfolk stepped up a gear.

A Break through the middle yielded a converted try, Broadland had barely reorganised as a second break created a score for the West Norfolk Flanker and in three minutes Broadland were 21 - 0 down. Broadland tried to counter, but West Norfolk had found the chink in the Broadland Armour.

An Injury to Danny Simmons, saw Richard Bristo come in at prop, but a pair of fresh legs did not change Broadland forwards as the West Norfolk three quarters broke through to score under the posts. This was followed by a score on the wing putting the score well beyond Broadland's reach, with less than ten minutes Broadland were reduced to fourteen following and injury to Number 8 Ian Mackintosh (Broadland had only been able to travel with one Replacement following two late unavailability's).

A man down, Broadland fought hard but West Norfolk added a further three tries against a battle weary Broadland side. The whistle sounded with a comfortable win for West Norfolk and a valuable experience for the Broadland team playing a side two divisions above them.

Next Week the 1st XV are back in league action as Broadland travel to Play Felixstowe, kick off is at 3.00 pm

Team: K.Rogers, L.Raven, S.Murray, M.La-Cock, M.Scott, P.Tucker, R.Burling, M. Beckett, A.Smith, D.Simmons, A. Riches (Capt.) A.Morrison, R.Billyard, J.Prescott, I. Mackintosh Replacement : R. Bristo (57 mins)

Asa Morrison

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