Mistley 13, Broadland-Great Yarmouth 7Broadland-Great Yarmouth returned to league rugby on the Essex coast last weekend, following an extended break due to frozen pitches.

Mistley 13, Broadland-Great Yarmouth 7

Broadland-Great Yarmouth returned to league rugby on the Essex coast last weekend, following an extended break due to frozen pitches.

Broadland kicked off and began to pressure Mistley. The home side defended well and kicked clear.

Both sides were struggling to maintain a footing in the melting snow covering parts of the pitch and this was made even harder by the increasing rain fall. Mistley got on the scoreboard first with an unconverted try.

Broadland composed themselves and shortly afterwards hooker Rye Bilyard took a quick tap penalty, carried forward and put the ball out to Stacey Ledgerwood. He went wide, found space and broke to the line to score in the corner (converted).

Broadland did not hold the lead for long as Mistley struck back with a second converted try.

Broadland's front row of Beckett, Bilyard and Tubbs was in dominant form as they provided a solid platform for the scrum, but Mistley were gaining the edge at the breakdown. The first half concluded with Mistley leading 10-7.

The second half started well for Broadland. Fly half Doggett came close to a score, as did lock Chiddle. Broadland had a penalty attempt go wide but the Yarmouth side kept the pressure up. A series of three yellow cards (two for Mistley and one for Broadland) disrupted the match, and Broadland saw the game drift out of easy reach as Mistley kicked a penalty with five minutes to go.

Broadland battled hard but needed a converted try. Richard Ruddick put in some inspired play, moving the ball forward, and was well supported by Lightfoot and Riches. Broadland got within the Mistley 22 metre line. Wing Jared Webster had a half-chance but Mistley defended well. Broadland fought hard until the whistle but could not get the score they needed.

Tries: Ledgerwood. Con: Lightfoot 1 of 1. Pen: Ledgerwood 0 of 1.

Team: J Sewell, J Webster, P Buckley, S Ledgerwood, B Collings, J Doggett, S Ruddick, M Beckett (capt), R Bilyard, S Tubby, A Riches, R Chiddle, A Lightfoot, R Ruddick, A Morrison. Replacements: M White (61 mins).

Tomorrow Broadland play host to Swaffham, kick-off is at 2.15pm at Cobholm recreation ground, Great Yarmouth.

For more information on playing rugby, youth or senior or becoming involved in helping run the only rugby club in Great Yarmouth visit www.broadlandrfc.com