Broadland-GY 18, Thetford 11

BROADLAND continued their impressive home form with a hard-fought win over a spirited Thetford side.

The game began evenly with both teams kicking for territory, and despite good inroads being made by forwards Adam Towfighi and Asa Morrison, no territory was converted into points.

After conceding a penalty, Broadland quickly responded with one of their own thanks to the boot of Tom Weston.

They began to apply pressure with Sam Noon ploughing his way into the centre field and being ably supported by his forwards.

Despite all their pressure and regular attempts to spread the ball wide to Ben Collings and Joe Payne on the wings, Broadland could not break the Thetford resistance.

Shortly before half-time they were dealt a blow when captain Stacey Ledgerwood was forced off the field injured.

Thetford held on till half-time and the teams went into the break even.

The second half started brightly for Broadland with Liam Howlett fielding a kick and making a darting break past several defenders. This set up great position for Kieran Wilkes and Rye Bilyard to barge their way within inches of the line.

Flanker Richard Ruddick secured quick ball which allowed Tom Weston to score under the posts (converted).

Broadland used the try as a platform and begun to utilise the width and pace of their back line, however the final ball often let them down.

Eventually Thetford moved their way up the field and managed to barge over the line and follow their try with a quick penalty which suddenly put Broadland on the back foot.

Fly-half Simon Ruddick kicked a drop goal to calm the nerves and the forwards began to punch holes in the close defence.

Wayne Gibbs and Andrew Riches became increasingly effective at making close yards. Chris Hewitt was instrumental getting the ball down close to Thetford’s line.

With time running out Broadland finally put the game to bed when Phil Buckley bossed the forwards around, and after good continuity distributed to Simon Ruddick to duck his way under a tackle to score (unconverted.)

Team: T Weston, B Collings, S Ledgerwood (captain), S Noon, J Payne, S Ruddick, P Buckley, A Riches, R Bilyard, W Gibbs, K Wilkes, A Morrison, R Ruddick, C Hewitt, A Towfighi. Replacements: L Howlett (50). Tries: T Weston, S Ruddick. Con: Weston 1 of 2. Pen: T Weston 1 of 1. Drop goal: T Weston 0 of 1, S Ruddick 1 of 1.

Tomorrow, Broadland-Great Yarmouth travel away to play Swaffham, kick off 3pm.