Broadland began their league season in impressive style
with a convincing display against a strong Southwold XV at Cobhalm.
The home side began with key changes to the front row, with
regular hooker Evans filling in at prop and flanker Jason Prescott at
hooker.
From the kick-off the match was played at a considerable
pace, despite the heat of the afternoon.
The early set pieces gave a flavour of the rest of the game
with Broadland totally dominating the line-out on their own and Southwold's
throws, and the visitors proving too strong in the scrum on a number of
occasions.
After 10 minutes Broadland began to impose themselves more
confidently and, following some good second-phase play, Durrant was able
to feed Ruddick who skilfully sold a dummy to his support and strolled
over for the try, converted by Murray.
Broadland pressed again from the restart with Bensley and
Durrant both coming close to scoring.
Eventually a breakthrough by Lacock led to Si Ruddick once
more weaving a path to score under the posts.
Half-time came with Broadland ahead 12-0 but feeling they
needed more points to secure the win.
A more resolute Southwold began to make inroads into Broadland
territory in the second half with continued pressure in the scrum a major
factor, however they were unable to convert these opportunities and, once
again, Broadland now with the wind were able to make their way deep into
safety.
The home team once more stepped up the pressure on Southwold
and were rewarded with a penalty in front of the posts.
With the wide players screaming for the ball the Southwold
defence drifted and Macintosh was able to crash under the posts quite
easily converted.
Southwold again were close to scoring with a line-out five
feet from the line, Broadland took the ball easily but Gowen's kick for
touch was charged down quickly and Southwold had seven points on the board.
A tactical change brought O'Connor on to the wing and almost
straight away he found himself with only his winger to beat and went around
his man to score.
Broadland, to their credit, were not content to rest and,
once more, O'Connor was able to follow the chip over and touch down in
the corner before the final whistle.
A solid performance from Broadland capped by a fine defensive
display from Murray on the wing.
The Great Yarmouth team knows that they cannot allow a slip
at all if they are to push for promotion.
In an away game the Tigers could easily have lost team character
shone through and helped clinch a result for the local side within minutes
of the final whistle.
Continuous pressure from the Tigers for the first fifteen
minutes saw the Yarmouth outfit awarded a penalty quickly taken by scrum-half
Ben Morgan who fed pack leader and No 8 Roger Smithdale who made ground
and fed team captain and full back Mickey Pywell who burst through two
desperate Ipswich tackles to score a convincing unconverted try.
The Ipswich reply was swift, and within five minutes of
Pywell's try Broadland found themselves trailing 7 - 5 after the opposition
chalked up a sound converted try.
The rest of the first half saw play alternate with some
speed between opposing territories, and some big tackles from the Tigers
managed to keep the local side in touch till the turnaround.
The second half started like the first with both sides
fully committed to the game. First blood in phase two fell to Tigers scoring
a fine unconverted try from a stolen lineout ball gratefully received
by 2nd row Tim Panter who crashed over the Ipswich line to give Broadland
the lead at 7 - 10.
The next twenty minutes saw some good attack and defence
from both sides until the opposition nicked a converted try from an intercepted
pass, stealing the lead at 14 - 10.
Acknowledging this passing mistake Tigers grabbed the rest
of the game by the scruff of the neck. Tigers' prop Graham Thompson retired
injured and was replaced by Pat Finney who scored a neat try within minutes
of entering the game as hooker. Finney's try came from a clever lineout
move by 2nd row Tim Panter who fed Finney for his unconverted try.
This put Broadland in front by a whisker at 14 - 15. Five
minutes later Tigers made sure of the result when the ball was shipped
along the line to speedy winger James Knappett who scored a fine debut
try for the club. This game saw a good all round team performance justly
rewarded.
In a game Tigers could easily have won, the team failure
to emulate recent form showed at the turnaround when Broadland trailed
0pts-12pts. The lack of rhythm from the Cobholm outfit was not helped
by gusty playing conditions and some harsh decisions from the ref. -
A nice way of putting it! - Russ
Fifteen minutes into the game saw Crusaders score their
first try from a driving maul well controlled and earning 7pts from the
conversion. Playing against the wind Tigers were always going to be on
the back foot against this competent opposition.
Ten minutes after the first score Crusaders crossed the
Broadland line again for an unconverted try, and this from a three-quarter
line movement ultimately feeding the safe-handed winger.
The second half saw a much more focussed Broadland side,
and Crusaders were kept pinned in their own twenty two for much of the
remainder of the game. This half saw some good tactical kicking from Tigers
and the reward came when the forwards bulldozed over the opposition line
with replacement Rye Bilyard touching down, and full back Mickey Pywell
converting to bring the scoreline to a more respectable 7-12.
With Broadland motoring strongly Crusaders were allowed
a penalty which was never explained. This was kickable, and took the visitors
to 15pts.
Tigers’ repost was swift with scrum half Ben Morgan
picking the ball up from the base of the scrum, and dummying the opposition
fly half to score a good individual try edging the scoreline up to 12-15.
Unfortunately, this was too little too late with the final whistle making
Tigers close running losers.
Tigers know they cannot afford a slow start in the coming
Saturday away fixture against Norwich 3rd XV.
Even though this game should have been a 1st team fixture
for the Cobholm outfit, Tigers put up a spirited performance on the day,
grabbing two converted tries against formidable opposition spawned within
a formidable Norwich club.
Predictably, Norwich opened the scoring after ten minutes
with an unconverted try from the wing. With Tigers trying to inject more
rhythm into their game there was always the handicap of playing on the
back foot which created numerous handling errors on the part of the local
side.
Next to score for Norwich was the scrum-half claiming an
unconverted try. Tigers managed to win plenty of ball but tended to knock
on or lose it in the tackle. A needless penalty was also gifted to Norwich
who kept notching up the tries, producing a half time score of 25pts to
nil.
Knowing the score against could have been much higher had
not the Norwich kicker seemingly left his boots in the changing room,
Tigers ran on for the second half more hungry for points than before the
break. Sustained pressure from Broadland for the third quarter of this
game failed to produce points owing to slack handling. This led to Norwich
scoring a breakaway try converted taking the opposition tally to 32pts
to 0pts.
The last fifteen minutes, however, belonged to Tigers, with
hooker Pat Finney taking two against the head, which seemed to inspire
the Yarmouth outfit, and now it was Norwich making all the mistakes. From
a penalty move the ball was fed to hooker Finney who crashed over the
Norwich line for a well earned try converted by fully back Mickey Pywell.
This riposte was not in the Norwich scheme of things and
some edginess saw an opposition player dismissed from the game. Tigers
had the last word when sustained pressure left the ref with no choice
other than to award Broadland a penalty try converted again by Mickey
Pywell bringing the final score to a more respectable 32pts to 14pts.
A certain amount of awe at first, and a feeling that the
local lads were playing the club rather that the team on the field probably
caused this defeat, though in the end Tigers salvaged pride and performed
with great credit.
Broadland travelled to Swaffham hoping to start the year
with a much-needed league win.
They fielded a side with six changes and it was this inconsistency
which showed on the pitch.
The match started with neither side playing to their best
ability; the indulgences of the festive season were evident from the kick-off.
Swaffham were the first to score when Broadland gifted them
a penalty in front of the posts. Following this the visitors increased
the tempo of the game and were able to make their way into the Swaffham
half.
A break from winger James Knappet led Broadland down the
right flank and the following ruck enabled Macintosh to feed skipper Asa
Morrison for the try under the posts converted by Macintosh.
The game progressed with both teams giving some hint of
their abilities but not able to sustain the pressure. Both sides squandered
opportunities to score with poor passing.
In the scrum and line-out things remained even with Broadland's
Graham Thompson acquitting himself well in his first call up to first
team rugby.
With 20 minutes to go in the first half a poor example of
tackling allowed the talented Swaffham No. 11 to create an opening which
saw his support crash over the line, converted.
Broadland, to their credit, hit back and were able to apply
some pressure on the Swaffham defence with some good runs from centre
LaCock.
From this pressure winger Stu Murray was able to kick and
chase the ball over the line for the converted try, taking the score to
14-10.
However, with nothing certain in this game the home side
were again given a penalty in front of the posts and opted to put themselves
within one point of Broadland in the second half.
The second half saw Broadland display little evidence of
the rucking skill which served them so well last year.
With Swaffham able to retain possession at the breakdown,
they began to dictate the match and had soon made their way into the Broadland
22.
They were awarded a penalty three metres from the line for
a dubious challenge.
Quickly taken, Swaffham were able to cross the line with
only minimal resistance from the Broadland pack.
Broadland prssed harder for the score but were unable to
break the Swaffham defence.
As full-time approached Swaffham added salt to Broadland's
wounds by running in a soft try down the left wing.
Broadland remain third from bottom in the league table.
Thanks to the mixed fortunes of all teams they can still finish well this
season providing they start doing the basics well.
This week sees a tough fixture against Crusaders at home.
Great Yarmouth Mercury, Friday, January 14th, 2000
On one of their rare outings, the Regulators found themselves
travelling to Lakenham for this friendly fixture. With neither team at
full strength, it was agreed not to contest scrums.
The first half started well for Regulators with some good
passing through the forwards and backs. But it was the home side to score
first for an unconverted try by way of the outside centre. In a tight
game, this remained the only score at the interval.
Ten minutes after the re-start Regulators were awarded a
penalty ten metres from the Lakenham line. This was taken quickly and
fed to second row Dave Fowler who crashed over for an unconverted try
to level the scoreline. Lakenham replied with two quick tries in succession
leaving Regulators trailing at 15 - 5.
Going into the final quarter Regulators had everything to
play for, and from a ruck the ball was fed along the line to winger James
Knappett who touched down for an unconverted try to bring the scoreline
to 15 - 10. With only on score separating the teams, and with time running
out, Regulators ran around the pitch like men possessed, finally managing
to feed the ball to outside centre Gavin Arness, who showed Lakenham a
clean pair of heels to level the score with a sound try.
With only the conversion to come, the atmosphere was electric
as Mickey Pywell stepped up to take the final kick of this enthralling
encounter, which was spot on and sealed the win for the Regulators. After
being ten points adrift in this game, Regulators showed good heart to
come back and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
This hastily re-arranged fixture saw Tigers again facing
the challenge of old rivals L & Y 2nds. Both teams fielded under-strength
sides with Tigers ending the match with eleven players to L & Y's
fourteen. This did not, however, deter either team from playing good inventive
rugby.
First score came from L & Y after ten minutes, the ball
being fed down the three quarter line where an overlap allowed the winger
to touch down for an unconverted try.
Ten minutes later the visitors notched up a forward try,
converted to take the score to 0 - 12. With Tigers, showing great heart
and commitment the reward came with a score down the wing. The ball was
taken from a lineout by 2nd row Andy Richies who broke through three tackles
to score a sound individual unconverted try. L & Y added two more
unconverted tries in the first half, taking the interval score to 5 -
22.
The second half started well for L & Y who took advantage
of persistent possession to make some good tactical play. Dogged defence
by Tigers, however, ensured that L & Y took twenty minutes to score
a converted try. Tigers were putting in some great tackles, and the home
side was next to cross the line from a rolling maul, which saw Andy Richies
crash over to complete his brace of tries. This was unconverted, taking
the score to 10 - 29.
Tigers were unlucky not to score again when debut No.8 Glyn
Hughes fed to scrum half Mickey Pywell who was tackled just short of the
line. Five minutes later L & Y infringed and the penalty was quickly
taken by Tigers full back David Beagrie who crashed over for a converted
try with the compliments of the boot of scrum half Pywell. L & Y had
the last word in this friendly fixture, using the wide overlap to score
an unconverted try.
In spite of being men short Tigers must take considerable
credit for going ahead with the game, and for the way in which the team
performed. A special mention must be made for Stuart Ruddick, playing
his first senior game for Broadland. Ruddick showed good promise for the
future in a game where Tigers were always going to be on the back foot.
Ruddick did himself, and the club, proud.
In spite of the mini hurricane wind both teams played hard
in this strongly contested encounter. Playing against gale force winds
in the first half, Tigers found it difficult to break out of their own
twenty two.
With big tackles being put in from both sides, and without
a score on the board for either side, tempers began to fray. The ref found
the game to be a challenge, and this was evident from numerous infringements
passing by without the award of penalties, and when penalties were awarded
this was without explanation.
The first half was a phase where both teams cancelled out
each other, and resulted in no score at the interval.
The second half started well for Tigers, and within ten
minutes of the re-start the ball was fed to prop Wayne Gibbs who crashed
through two tackles for a well deserved try which opened the scoring at
5 - 0. This was a good start by Broadland who were playing with the wind.
However, conditions were not used by the home side to their advantage,
and Fakenham found themselves allowed back into the game.
Half way through the second half Tigers tried to clear their
lines only to kick the ball into the hands of the opposition winger who
raced over for an opportunist try to level the account at 5 - 5.
Ten minutes later Fakenham scored again, and this time the
conversion attempt was successful, bringing the scoreline to 5 - 12.
The last phase of this game saw Tigers switch on to the
conditions, and the wind was used to keep Fakenham in their own twenty
two. Continuous pressure saw Tigers awarded a five metre scrum, with No.8
Neil Blizzard picking up the ball and driving to the line, only to have
ball knocked out of his hands as he crossed for a score. With some stout
defence from the Fakenham outfit the scoreline remained the same until
the final whistle.
Without a few dubious refereeing decisions, and a better
use of the prevailing elements, the result could have been a lot different
in this very tight contest.
A powerful forward performance with some scintillating back
play helped to secure another Lakenham Eastern Counties Three North victory
against a Broadland side who made them fight for every point.
From the outset Lakenham took the game to the visitors,
but after five minutes it was broadland who put the first points on the
board from a penalty in front of the posts converted by Iain Macintosh.
lakenham's response was immediate with two converted tries
as they began to take full control.
Another converted try followed and Lakenham began to sit
back. From the kick-off the ball was fumbled, allowing Khan Billyard to
recover and surge for the line to score broadland's first try.
Macintosh's conversion reduced the deficit to give Broadland
a lifeleine, but as the half drew to a close, Lakenham scored another
try.
In the second half the tables turned as Broadland attacked
hard for long periods, keeping lakenham pinned deep inside their own 22.
Thundering tackles, notably from Dominic Addington and martin
Hunn, kept Broadland at bay, but the line was eventually breached when
the ball came out to Steve Brown. The big centre crashed over for a try
under the posts which macintosh easily converted.
Lakenham added a further try but were soon defending again.
Time and again Broadland looked as though they should add to their score
but the relentless tackling held them back and Lakenham regained their
earlier composure to score two more tries.
Sustained pressure from Tigers forced a penalty. It was
taken quickly on the tap and fed to Broadland second row Neil Blizzard
who crashed over the Lakenham line for an unconverted try.
Tigers felt in control of the game, supported by the returning
second row Dave Fowler and hooker Kevin Collins constantly winning the
ball against the head.
The Cobhalm outfit scored again, from a set scrum controlled
by scrum-half Stuart Ruddick. He fed stand off Graham Clarke who made
ground and passed to the Broadland centre Paul Able who cut through the
lakenham defence to score an excellent individual try. Full back Mickey
Pyewell converted for 12-0.
Lakenham scored an unvonverted try before the break.
The Lakenham second row crashed over for an unconverted
try bringing the score to a competitive 12-10.
Tigers stepped up a gear and from good lineout ball winger
Scott Bird beat his opposite number to score in the corne. Pywell converted
leaving Broadland leading 19-10. Tigers had the final say when lakenham
gave away another penalty which Pywell converted.
This game started at a quick pace with play equally balanced
from end to end. However, sustained pressure from Tigers saw the visitors
give away a penalty taken quickly on the tap and fed to Broadland 2nd
row Neil Blizzard who crashed over the Lakenham line for a deserved but
unconverted try.
With a spring in their step Tigers felt in control of the
game, supported by the returning second row Dave Fowler and the evergreen
hooker Kevin Collins constantly winning the ball against the head. It
was not long before the Cobholm outfit scored again, this time from a
set scrum controlled by scrum half Stuart Ruddick who fed stand-off Graham
Clarke who made ground and passed to the Broadland galloping centre Paul
Able who cut through the Lakenham defence like a knife through butter
to score an excellent individual try, converted by full back Mickey Pywell,
taking the score to 12pts to nil.
Lakenham had the last word before the turnaround when Broadland
were caught half asleep, letting the opposition winger through for an
unconverted try.
Encouraged by their success, Lakenham started the second
half with greater eagerness than Tigers who infringed early on allowing
the opposition to take a quick tap penalty resulting in the Lakenham 2nd
row crashing over for an unconverted try bringing the score to a competitive
12 - 10. Tigers knew they needed to step up a gear or they would lose
this game. This they managed, and from good lineout ball winger Scott
Bird beat his opposite number to score in the corner. Up stepped full
back Mickey Pywell who turned this effort into a seven point score, leaving
Broadland leading 19 - 10.
Tigers had the final say of the afternoon when Lakenham
gave away another penalty booted over by Mickey Pywell to produce the
final result of 22 - 10.
This was a much improved performance by the Tigers to produce
a much needed win.
In this away fixture Tigers found themselves 12pts adrift
after 10 minutes, with Watton scoring tries at will.
Tigers quickly got their act together and responded with
a try by prop Wayne Gibbs who crashed over in the opposition corner. This
effort remained unconverted, but provided the encouragement needed by
the local outfit. With a spring in their step Tigers scored again from
second phase ball which saw the safe hands of Gavin Beales take the final
pass on the wing, who then crashed through the defence to pick up a neat
unconverted try, bringing the scoreline up to 12 - 10. Watton then caught
Tigers napping, and a few missed tackles gifted the opposition a soft
try bringing the score to 17 - 10. One more try before half time took
Watton further ahead at 22 - 10.
A bad re-start for Tigers saw Watton score two tries in
quick succession, with one of them being converted to take the score to
34 - 10. Tigers moved up a gear at this point and Tim Panter at No.8 for
Tigers picked up from the base of a scrum and drove over for a fine try,
converted by full back Mickey Pywell taking the score to 34 - 17.
With Watton still within reach, Broadland scrum half Stuart
Ruddick dummied his way over the try line for a good individual score,
again converted by Mickey Pywell taking the account to 34 - 24. This effort
was sadly the last flourish for Tigers who seemed to switch off the focus,
letting Watton run away with the game as a result of missed tackles and
give-away tries leaving the final score at 57 - 24.
With greater commitment, Tigers might have walked away with
a result rather than ending up well beaten.
Broadland 1st XV 15 v 13 University of East Anglia
1st XV
UEA visited Broadland for this friendly fixture on a cold,
wet and windy Saturday afternoon.
Broadland started strongly with good territorial advantage,
but unable to turn this into points. UEA had some excellent breaks from
there own 22, with Broadland Nigel Beales and Simon Ruddick preventing
breakaway tries.
Broadland again steadily moved down field after some effective
running from Beckett, Prescott and K. Bilyard. Finally Broadland Veteran
Kev Collins crashed over for the score for Broadland to take the lead
(Mackintosh converted).
UEA were quick to reply when a quickly taken penalty lead
to a two man overlap on the Wing allowing UEA to Score in the corner(Unconverted).
With a Half time Score of 7 - 5 in Broadlands favour, there
was everything to play for. Travis Ward came on as a replacement for the
Injured Kev Collins and Ward's direct running immediately made an impact.
Durrant and Morrison were again dominating the lineout taking many of
UEA's throws, providing Broadland with a good platform to attack. Again
it was sustained pressure and excellent team play that finally allowed
Khan Bilyard to bulldozer over for the try (Unconverted).
UEA again kept in the game with an excellent run from the
centre who went through the Broadland line untouched to score (unconverted).
With the game still close and time beginning to expire Broadland
fly half Jay Crouchen kicked a penalty to increase Broadlands lead.
UEA after some good running in the centres, scored a penalty
to bring them to within two points of the Yarmouth side.
With less than five minutes remaining Broadland gained steady
possession keeping UEA from the ball. A turn over in midfield gave UEA
a last opportunity to win the match; they carried the ball down to just
outside Broadlands 22 when the referee awarded a penalty.
With no time left on the clock the UEA Centre stepped up
to take the kick. Both teams stood and watched as the kick although long
enough, was just wide of the right post, the final whistle went, giving
Broadland a deserved but hard fought Home Win.
Next week Broadland return to league fixtures when they
take on leaders Ipswich YM
In recent weeks Broadland's form has been at best average,
and this was a clear opportunity for Broadland to prove a point to the
recently promoted Sawston. For the first time since the start of the season
Broadland had its full pack out with Bensley returning from a serious
shoulder injury and Macintosh returning from illness as well as all the
regulars being fully fit and available.
On an extremely blustery Saturday afternoon, Sawston kicked
off. Broadland took steady position down to the visitors 5 meter line
giving Bensley the opportunity to bulldozer over off a quick pass from
scrum half Miller.
Broadland kept the pressure on and flanker Jay Prescott
was unlucky not to score when he blocked a kick behind Sawston goal line.
Prop Khan Billyard was removed from the field of play by
the referee for a serious cut to the head and Broadland reorganised bringing
on Wayne Gibbs only to find Billyard returning to the field three minute
later with his head heavily strapped.
Sawston were still failing to keep decent possession and
again Broadland moved deep into their opposition's territory. Travis Ward
finally touched down in the corner after the ball had gone across the
width of the field.
Mark Le Cock was the next Broadland player over the goal
line after receiving a somewhat unique pass from Lock Lee Durrant on the
visitors 22 and running untouched to score under the post, Mackintosh
converted.
Number 8 Macintosh completed the first half scoring with
a penalty just before half time.
Shortly into the second half, Centre Jay Crouchen was assisted
off the pitch with a leg injury, giving Roger Smithdale the opportunity
to show off his skills in the three-quarters.
Sawston were still struggling to make any real progress
into Broadland territory and Prop Matt Beckett was utilising his weight
and power to great effect. Broadland again worked down within 3 meter
of the Sawston goal line when fly half Wayne Gowen joined the forward
at pace to dive over for the score.
Sawston finally organised some decent possession but a turnover
around the half-way line allowed Broadland full-back Simon Ruddick to
take the ball wide. Ruddick passed inside to Captain Asa Morrison, who
neatly side-stepped the Sawston full-back and went the remaining distance
to score; Mackintosh converted.
Sawston added two late consolation scores in the last five
minutes when the game was well out of reach to add an element of respectability
to the score-line.
Broadland can now work on a positive performance and take
a weeks break from fixtures to allow players to clear up some niggling
injuries.
Broadlands next fixture is in two weeks when they visit
Norwich to take on their second team.
Broadland 1st XV 38 v 7 Lowestoft and Yarmouth 2nd
XV
Broadland hosted Lowestoft and Yarmouth's 2nd XV in their
final friendly before the league fixtures begin next week. Broadland fielded
a mixed team and used the opportunity to try out some new faces.
Play started on an exceptionally warm day and was obvious
from the onset that the weather would test everyone's fitness.
Broadland were first on the Board with a long run from
fleet footed winger Stuart Murry who ran untouched down the left wing
to touchdown.
Broadland began to settle down and after sustained pressure
on their opposition's goal line, L&Y gained possession and kicked clear.
Broadland centre Mark Le Coc caught the ball and returned it by bursting
though tackles to lay the ball up for Jay Prescott to score under the
posts.
Broadland were soon on the score sheet again with the pack
powering over for another score. L&Y could do little to combat the onslaught
from Broadland and, just before half time, Nnumber 8 Tim Panter picked
up from the back of the scrum to slip between would be tacklers to leave
the half time score 26-0 in Broadlands favour.
L& Y rallied at the beginning of the second half and Broadland
begin to give them ground. Finally the Lowestoft pack forced the ball
over, directly under the posts.
Broadland began to find there way again and some excellent
running from forwards Durrant and Blizard moved Broadland in close enough
to give fly half Wayne Gowen the opportunity to sneak in, for a try in
the corner.
The Broadland Pack were firing on all cylinders and as time
was about to expire, Broadland Captain Asa Morrison finished off the day
by crashing over tacklers to score from a penalty move.
Broadland now look to thier first league fixture next Saturday
when they entertain Southwold at Cobholm playing fields, kick off at 3.00
pm
Broadland had an opportunity to field an experimental back
five as they hosted a friendly with Holt 2nd XV: Nigel Beales moved in
from the wing to partner Travis Ward in the centre; James Knappet was
called up for the left wing after a run of good games in Broadland's Second
XV; Scott Bird moved to the right wing and Mark Le Cock was given a run
at Full Back.
The match started at a fast pace and Broadland failed to
make good an early penalty. The home side then did not have to wait long
for a second chance and Russell Clarke stepped up and put the Yarmouth
side three points up.
Holt were failing to make much headway early in the game
and it was sustained pressure from the Broadland side that eventually
gave Nigel Beales the opportunity to neatly weave his way through the
Holt defence to touchdown just to the right of the posts (Clarke converted).
Broadland had barely composed themselves and Ward was receiving
treatment for a leg injury when Holt marched down the pitch to score under
the posts (converted).
After a reshuffle Khan Billyard came on to replace Ward,
Gibbs moved to second row and Rye Billyard moved to the centres.
After some excellent tackling from Flanker Pete Calnon and
Wing James Knappet, complimented by strong running from Captain Asa Morrison
and Prop Matt Beckett, Broadland moved within scoring distance only to
hear the half-time whistle blow. They entered the break with a 10 - 7
lead.
The second-half saw the pace of the game slow as both sets
of forwards began to battle it out. Wayne Evans and Lawrence Ritche provided
much needed extra power in the tight, and Scrum Half Justin Millar had
a spectacular run which Broadland were unable to turn into points.
Holt managed to get themselves in good field position and
an almost inevitable penalty was awarded gifting them the opportunity
to draw level.
The match entered a very tight stage as both teams were
working on maintaining possession. Number 8, Roger Smithdale's experience
showed as he settled down at the back of the scrum. Broadland then took
the lead again with another successful penalty from Clarke.
Broadland then had to use their last replacement as Mark
Cammock came in to replace the injured Morrison. With time beginning to
run out Broadland found themselves inside their own 22 and a simple penalty
kick from Holt saw the match tied on the final whistle.
Broadland can take a lot from this match and can look forward
to a return to league fixtures in the New Year.
