Sunday 21st March 1999 – Crusaders v Broadland

Yarmouth Mercury write-up, Friday, 26th March

Eastern Evening News Write-up, Monday, 22nd March

"BATTLING BROADLAND FORCED TO SHARE IN FINAL GLORY"

Barclays Norfolk Plate Final Crusaders 8, Broadland 8 (aet)

BROADLAND continued their record of success in the Barclays Norfolk Plate yesterday.

But this time, after winning the trophy outright for two successive seasons, they had to share the glory with Crusaders as the final at Little Melton finished all square after extra-time.

With no allowances for a replay, both teams will take possession of the trophy for six months.

With the rain relenting after several hours' downpour, Broadland kicked off on a surprisingly good playing surface.

Crusaders, narrow favourites before the game have previously beaten the holders in the league, had an early penalty opportunity which Paul Robinson put wide.

But their pressure was rewarded when a clearance was fielded by full-back Tom Nobbs, who ran back into the Broadland 22 and laid a good ball back for the forwards with brother Keelan Nobbs eventually going over for a try in the corner which was unconverted.

Broadland came back strongly and Ian Mackintosh missed a penalty before making sure with a second chance. This lifted Broadland and some good recycling of the ball saw flamker Adam Bensley score to give Broaldand an 8-5 half-time lead.

Crusaders camped in the Broadland half for most of the second period but failed to make this territorial advantage count until Paul Robinson levelled the score with a penalty 10 minutes from the end.

With Broadland defending bravely the refree's whistle beckoned extra time. Crusaders pressurised early in the first period of extra time.

But after another missed penalty, a handling error in the centres saw a Broadland interception and only a splendid tackle back by winger Steve Dack prevented a score.

After a final 10 minutes of end-to-end rugby but no further score, the game ended in a draw, with both teams sharing the trophy.

Yarmouth Mercury write-up, Friday, 26th March

"GRITTY BROADLAND WON'T LET GO OF THE PLATE"

BARCLAYS Norfolk Plate will remain in Great Yarmouth for the third consecutive season, adding to Broadland's impressive run in hte competition.

However, it will have to be shared with Crusaders after an exciting 8 - 8 draw in the final on Sunday. Broadland have held the plate for two years but started the game as underdogs against Crusaders who had beaten them twice in league matches this season.

A 200-strong crowd saw Crusaders in charge early on, missing a penalty before scoring a try in the corner. Broadland rallied with some excellent recycling of the ball, which forced Crusaders to stray offside and Macintosh kicked his second penalty attempt for 5 - 3.

Bensley then powered his way through four players to score a try. Crusaders missed a second-half penalty and for Broadland, Morrison and Gowen went close to touchdowns.

With 10 minutes to go, a Crusaders' penalty made it 8 - 8 and tempers started to fray somewhat.

The match entered extra-time. Both teams might have won but an excellent game of rugby that delighted the large crowd finished all square.

Team: Bilyard K, Evans, Beckett, Durrant, Morrison, Bensley, Prescott, Macintosh, Joseph, Gowen, Abel, Clarke, LaCock, Ruddick, Crouchen. Subs used: Gough, Benham, Bilyard R, not used: Smith, Frost, Yarnish.

Broadland now focus upon the Eastern League and play Thurston this week.