Broadland 18 v Eccles 6

Saturday saw Broadland (Yarmouth's latest rugby club) inaugural match away to Eccles 2nd XV.

From the start play encompassed the field before the Yarmouth team's pre-season preparation began to take effect, with the forwards dominating both in line-out and scrum, an early try from the well drilled backs was inevitable. Mark Shemmield at fly half put his backs away and was on hand to collect and go over for the Club's opening try.

Shortly after the turn round, strong and purposeful running from Broadland's backs resulted in a try for centre Wayman Arundel. Next came a tap penalty close to the line resulting in an opportunist try for scrum half Paul Wright. Andy Brown at full back converted in difficult conditions.

The pack continued to dominate in both tight and loose and from a kick ahead Shemmield touched down in the corner for his second try of the match.

Eccles continued to play in a determined and open fashion which was duly rewarded with a very good try by centre Steve Allen, converted by J. Hobley.

Referee Dave Pollard's handling of the match was appreciated by both players and spectators alike.

This opening fixture could auger well for new Club's first season. Training is now on Thursdays at Great Yarmouth High School's gymnasium. Future potential players are most welcome in order to augment present strength in order to form a second team.

This Saturday the fixture is away against Civil Service Norwich. Cars meet at Vauxhall Station at 1.15 p.m.

The team will be chosen from:- D. Greatrex P. Clarke M. Price D. Todd M. Frost D. Winship K. Wells P. Wright P. Jones M. Shemmield W. Arundel A. Shelton B. Hawkes K. Woodcock A. Brown S. Philpot J. Fruin S. Brooks S. Allen.

Broadland 14 v Norwich Civil Service 4

On Saturday, Broadland Rugby Football Club visited Norwich Civil Service and ran out worthy winners of a hard and closely fought match. The first quarter of the game saw both sides settling into their stride, and the Civi Service opened their account first when Colin Walker went over for a try. Broadland, with the wind on their backs were awarded a penalty for a forward infringement. Jon Holmes kicked the points. Broadland made a succession of powerful forward drives, and just before half-time good link work between the half backs resulted ina try for scrum half Paul Wright.

Shortly after the interval, Civil Service came close to scoring in periods of sustained pressure, which saw Broadland contained in their 22.

After one breakout disciplined forward play lured the Civil Service backs offside and Jon Holmes kicked his second penalty of the match. In the dying minutes of the game, a second well earned try came to scrum half Paul Wright following a strike against the head and a strong forward surge.

Jon Holmes put his second successive conversion attempt against the upright. This was a highly satisfactory result for the team that showed six changes from the previous week. Training continues on a Thursday evening at Yarmouth High School gymnasium, 7 p.m. prompt. This Saturday Broadland travel away to play Norwich. Cars meet at Vauxhall Station at 1.15 p.m.

Broadland 0 v North Walsham 3

Gale force winds and at times driving rain are not the best ingredients for a handling contest, but when the spirit is willing and both teams .are game it is remarkable what can be achieved. North Walsham beat Broadland by a penalty goal from Bob Hopewell in the second half. Both teams played their best rugby against the elements and, on yet another occasion, it was not until the second half that Broadland's strength and determination showed. For some of Broadland's players, taking the field in such atrocious conditions was new to them.

Practically throughout the first half Broadland remained entrenched in their opposition's half, but failed to produce the points to reward the efforts of their forwards. Even three pivot moves in succession in the second half, which took North Walsham by surprise, produced nothing. One could have expected a dowdy performance from both teams to match the weather conditions, but the afternoon produced some fine forward play, particularly from Winship at No.8 who, with Wheadon, set up the ball well in loose scrums. On two occasions wing forward, Aldous, broke through the defence almost to score.

Several of the Broadland players are now beginning to find their best positions and there is no doubt that, as the weeks pass by, their back division is improving. However, on this occasion ten man rugby was the order of the day.

Next week Broadland are on their home ground at Cobholm, kick off is at 3.00 p.m.