Southwold 17, Broadland-Great Yarmouth 0BROADLAND-GREAT YARMOUTH travelled to Southwold in the last league game of 2008, a tightly-contested match finally went Southwold's way as they scored two converted tries in the final 20 minutes.

Southwold 17, Broadland-Great Yarmouth 0

BROADLAND-GREAT YARMOUTH travelled to Southwold in the last league game of 2008, a tightly-contested match finally went Southwold's way as they scored two converted tries in the final 20 minutes.

Broadland kicked off and were able to move the ball well through some strong running in the forwards, notably from Richard Bristo and Sam French.

The Broadland scrum was solid and began to gain the upper hand over Southwold, however despite getting poor ball the home side were able to make good ground through the backs.

Both Southwold and Broadland came close but it was not until late in the half that Southwold took a penalty kick to take the lead.

Broadland were pushed to some tight defensive work in the last few minutes of the half, but solid tackling from Mossie Abeysekera and Jake Sewell prevented a try.

Early in the second half Great Yarmouth fullback Jamie Alfshinpour had a long-range drop kick go wide, though this created good field position for the visitors.

They utilised their dominance in the line-out to great effect. With Towfighi winning the ball well the ball was sent across the park through the hands, for wing Ben Collings to cut back in with a superb jinking run back towards midfield.

Collins evaded four tackles before being pulled down just inside the 22-metre line. Broadland kept up the attack with pick and drives but lost the position for holding on.

Southwold did manage to squeeze a score through the midfield (converted) to extend the lead.

Broadland brought on Ryan Gallie in the pack, and John Stanhope-Smith came on at centre for his first -eam debut.

Broadland look likely to score and they moved the ball well up the field. Fly half Ash Lightfoot had a drop goal attempt go wide, and Broadland were pushing Southwold hard.

Southwold countered, and despite good cover tackles were able to get in for a second converted try, putting the game out of reach for Broadland.

Broadland now take a break from fixtures until the new year.

Broadland-Great Yarmouth: F Alfshinpour, J Sewell, M Abeysekera, M White, B Collings, A Lightfoot, S Ruddick, M Beckett (capt), R Bilyard, R Bristo, S French, R Chiddle, A Morrison, E Dixon, A Towfighi. Replacements: R Gallie (50 minutes), J Stanhope-Smith (64 minutes).

There is no senior training over the Christmas period. The annual Boxing Day match of Townies v Countryfolk kicks off at 11.30am (11am meet) on December 26.

Broadland-Great Yarmouth's youth section takes a Christmas break for the next two weeks and youth training restarts on January 4 from 10am to noon at Cobholm playing fields. There is no charge for youth rugby.

For more information on playing rugby in Great Yarmouth,visit www.broadlandrfc.com