Broadland 12, Southwold 16BROADLAND hosted Southwold in the league on Saturday in a tightly contested match. The lead changed hands several times before Southwold went over for a score in the last five minutes.

Broadland 12, Southwold 16

BROADLAND hosted Southwold in the league on Saturday in a tightly contested match. The lead changed hands several times before Southwold went over for a score in the last five minutes.

Broadland started well, and exerted their dominance in the tight play, notably in the driving maul, which Southwold were struggling to contain.

The Great Yarmouth side steadily moved the ball downfield utilising this advantage through the hard work and power of Richard Bristo, Andy Riches and Khan Bilyard.

Southwold finally managed to force the ball to touch, just inside their own 22 metre line. Broadland's captain Tim Fenn created the scoring opportunity from a great steal in the line-out. Mark Cammock and Sam French set the maul, followed by the convergence of the entire Broadland pack with flanker Asa Morrison left at the back with the ball.

The pack ground out the yards, steadily moving towards and over the goalline, allowing Morrison to touch down almost unchallenged at the back (unconverted).

Broadland continued to make inroads into Southwold's defence. No 8 Adam Towfighi had some good runs from the back of the scrum and both Ed Dixon and Tommy Simmonds were causing their opposite numbers problems in the midfield.

Broadland were, however, caught out on the last play of the half as Southwold attacked from deep, finally breaking down the wing to score (unconverted).

Southwold started the second half with two early penalties to take the lead, and Broadland brought on Ashley Lightfoot in the centre.

Broadland were still causing Southwold problems in the maul but were too far from the Southwold goalline to really threaten.

Broadland were awarded a line-out just outside the Southwold 22 metre line. Collecting the ball from the side line, fly half Simon Ruddick realised Southwold were not organised and threw the ball in quickly to Morrison. Riches secured the ball and Ruddick popped it to Richard Bristo, who put in a bruising run to the open side.

Seeing an opportunity, scrum half Finn Alfshinpour reversed play and set Jake Sewell to the blindside. Sewell arced around the Southwold defence, then accelerated down the sideline to score in the corner (converted Alfshinpour).

Broadland were putting some good play together, with Brad Sutherland and Leighton Buckley making good ground.

They again worked the ball close through Fenn and French, but Southwold managed to clear.

Southwold worked the ball towards Broadland's line and Broadland initially held firm with some good tackles from Lightfoot and Simmonds.

But the day was to be Southwold's as they went over for a score three minutes before the end of the game.

Next week Broadland travel to play Swaffham, kick off is at 3pm.

Team: B Sutherland, J Sewell, T Simmonds, E Dixon, L Buckley, S Ruddick, F Alfshinpour, A Riches, K Bilyard, R Bristo, S French, T Fenn (capt), A Morrison, M Cammock, A Towfighi. Replacements: A. Lightfoot (50 mins).

Senior training for 17 years and over takes place between 7-9pm on Wednesday evenings, with matches for three teams taking place Saturday afternoons. New and old players are always welcome. All club training sessions and home matches take place at Cobholm playing fields, Great Yarmouth.

Broadland RFC also operate a youth and mini rugby section which is free of charge.

Youth training (and occasional matches) take place on Sunday mornings 10am-noon. Children aged five to 17 are all welcome to attend.

Hot drinks and food is also available in the clubhouse during youth training sessions.

Anyone interested in being part of rugby in Great Yarmouth should contact club head coach Andy Hargrave on 07702 673259.

For further details visit www.broadlandrfc.com