Broadland-GY RFC’S newly-formed sevens side travelled to Ely for their first competition of several scheduled over the summer months.

The tournament began with a match against eventual cup champions Saracens RFC Academy. Although the game finished 57-0 Broadland put up a spirited performance.

Against Swaffham they led early on after Jared Webster scored and he was on the scoresheet again after he collected a perfectly-timed kick from Phil Buckley and ran in unopposed. After conceding a sloppy try Broadland scored on the stroke of half time with Richard Ruddick scoring under the posts. The second half was a tighter affair but good defensive work from Ash Lightfoot stopped the Swaffham advances. Broadland’s Abdul Khalil charged down a kick to complete a 26-5 win.

The third game would decide who Broadland played in the semi-finals and it was against a tough Saffron Walden. After poor start from Broadland an opportunistic try from Ben Collings put them back in the hunt. They started the second half in control and after several phases Mason Jerome crashed through his man and over the line to bring Broadland within a try. Broadlands’ defence was superb throughout the second half with Marcus Lekerman putting in several crucial tackles. However a clinical breakout from the opposition finished the game and left Broadland with a tough semi-final against one of the Ely sides.

Two simple mistakes led to opposition tries and a tough score to overcome in a short time. Some quick work led to Jared Webster beating his man but he had one foot in touch and the try was disallowed. Aoon after Broadland ran the same move again and this time Webster beat his man whilst staying in the field of play and left Broadland within five points at half time. The second half started well for Broadland as Adam Towfighi was on hand to score a crucial try which tied the game. Just as the game looked to be heading for extra time Ely finally broke the resilient Broadland defence and scored the winning try of a tense match.

Jake Clarke was rewarded for his performance in the semi-final, by winning the best player award for the shield competition.

Broadland – Great Yarmouth 7s Squad – Ely : R.Ruddick (Capt), J.Clarke, P.Buckley, J.Webster, M.Lekerman, M.Jerome, A.Towfighi, A.Lightfoot, B.Collings, C.Hewitt, A.Khalil