Broadland-Great Yarmouth 17, Hadleigh 0The Great Yarmouth side maintained an early lead, and a strong defence ensured Hadleigh did not get on the scoreboard.

Broadland-Great Yarmouth 17, Hadleigh 0

The Great Yarmouth side maintained an early lead, and a strong defence ensured Hadleigh did not get on the scoreboard.

It soon became apparent that Broadland had a considerable advantage in the scrum and the front row of Matt Beckett, Rye Bilyard and Richard Bristo were pushing the visitors off the ball at will.

Broadland drove the ball down close and lock Sam French emerged from the bottom of a pile to score the first try (unconverted).

The pressure continued and some great running from Ben Collings and then Rye Bilyard, put the ball inside the 22 metre line. Scrum half Ruddick brought in the forwards. With Sam French coming close, Royce Chiddle picked up from the back and powered over from close range (unconverted).

Only 15 minutes into the game a second injury to a Hadleigh front row player forced the match to move to uncontested scrums, removing what was arguably Broadland's biggest advantage.

They still had plenty of attacking options through hooker Rye Bilyard connecting well with Both Adam Towfighi and Asa Morrison in the line out, and used mauls to good effect.

A yellow card for both sides saw Broadland lose Rye Bilyard, and with only 28 men on the pitch both sides had space to play in. Broadland centres Stacey Ledgerwood and Mossie Abeysekera made the most of this to make good ground. Full back James Doggett was also in great form in taking deep kicks and returning them, forcing Hadleigh to run in the tight. With some tough tackling from Ed Dixon and Ash Lightfoot, Hadleigh were struggling to make ground.

Broadland started the second half 10-0 up. Sam French went over, but the referee could not see the ball grounded so play was called back. Broadland kept up the attacks, but could not quite get to the goal line. Mark White came on to join the centres, and linked in well with attacking play.

With possession won 10 metres out scrum half Ruddick popped the ball up to Richard Bristo, who barraged into a wall of defenders and offloaded in the tackle to No 8 Adam Towfighi. With a single side-step, he went in under the posts (converted Doggett).

Young scrum half Phil Buckley came on for the last 10 and guided the home side to a comfortable home victory.

Next, Broadland face a much tougher fixture at league title hopefuls Ely.

Tries: French, Chiddle, Towfighi. Con: Doggett 1 of 2, Ledgerwood 0 of 1.

Team: J Doggett, B Collings, M Abeysekera, S Ledgerwood, J Sewell, A Lightfoot, S Ruddick, M Beckett (capt) R Bilyard, R Bristo, S French, R Chiddle, A Morrison, E Dixon. A Towfighi. Replacements: M White (55 mins), P Buckley (70 mins).

Broadland-Great Yarmouth's mid season Hawaiian themed club night takes place on February 28, from 7pm at the clubhouse.

Tickets cost �5 and will be available on the door.

Broadland is hosting a VP lunch on March 28, when the 1st XV play Southwold and the 2nd XV play Swaffham 2nd XV. Tickets are �10 and available from Andy on 07880 786991.

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