Broadland–GY 29 Swaffham 24

Broadland–GY began their season with a strong home performance against a spirited Swaffham side. Despite starting the game well defensively with strong tackling from James Dudley and Adam Towfighi in the middle of the pitch Broadland found themselves stretched and conceded in the corner.

Swaffham nearly scored again but Simon Ruddick managed to knock the Swaffham player into touch as he went to place the ball down. Broadland took the game to Swaffham and after good work by the pack Stuart Murray linked up with Tom Weston who jinked his way through for a well worked try. Broadland’s back line was causing the Swaffham defence constant problems and the forwards were winning good ball to set them up. Broadland were utilising the pace of Ashley Sullivan well as he was making good ground every time he got the ball with good support.

It didn’t take long for them to score again with Stacey Ledgerwood going over in the corner after another well worked move. Broadland were pegged back by an interception try but they soon found their rhythm again and after a spell of dominance, good running from Simon Coleman set up a good position for scrum half Phil Buckley to work his way over the try line.

The second half began with Broadland still dominating the possession and utilising the strong running of Matt Beckett and Kieran Wilkes to set up a strong platform. They were spreading the Swaffham defence all over the field and eventually Shaun Howley took advantage of the gaps in defence to score. After making several substitutions Broadland maintained the pressure with Chris Hewitt making a tackle behind the gain line which allowed Tom Weston to intercept the ball and stroll over the line. Broadland continued to press but lost control of the ball and Swaffham scored under the posts.

The last period saw Broadland under heavy pressure near their line but good defensive work from Mason Jerome and Ashley Lightfoot kept the visitors out and Mark White made sure Swaffham had to fight to win the ball back. As the clock ticked down Swaffham opted to take a penalty and earn a losing bonus point.

Tries: Weston 2, Ledgerwood, Buckley, Howley.

Conversions: Murray 2 of 5

Man of the Match: Shaun Howley

Team: M Beckett, A Lightfoot, J Dwyer, S Coleman, K Wilkes, R Ruddick, J Dudley, A Towfighi, P Buckley (c), S Murray, S Howley, S Ruddick, S Ledgerwood, A Sullivan, T Weston. Replacements: M Jerome (40 mins), C Hewitt (55 mins), M White (57 mins).