Broadland 0, Dereham 17Broadland's weakness in this league game was an inability to turn territory into points, and in a defensively-orientated game Dereham built a firm lead and held off a number of Broadland attacks.

Broadland 0, Dereham 17

Broadland's weakness in this league game was an inability to turn territory into points, and in a defensively-orientated game Dereham built a firm lead and held off a number of Broadland attacks.

From the kick-off, Broadland put in some good attacking play with both Ashley Lightfoot and Mark White testing the Dereham centres.

Broadland's scrum was as solid as ever with Khan Bilyard, Lee Raven and Richard Bristo providing a solid platform for scrum half Richard Ruddick to work from. Dereham put over their first score after stretching the Broadland defence across the field, which was converted for a seven-point lead.

Broadland soon were camped inside the Dereham 22 metre line. Wing Jake Sewell tried a chip and chase, No 8 Adam Towfighi had a go from the back of a scrum and finally Broadland tried to drive over following a clean take in the line from captain Tim Fenn.

Dereham held firm and managed to keep Broadland from crossing the score line. Dereham scored a second before the end of the half.

Broadland made one replacement at half-time with Brad Sutherland joining the back row. Broadland's attacking play was inconsistent, and this was only when fly half Simon Ruddick was able to gain clean position having to contend with limited opportunities.

Broadland let a third try go over in the corner, but with half an hour to play they were far from beaten.

They utilised their final two replacements with Sammy Jordan and Nick Balls joining the backs. Broadland's defence was solid with forwards Andy Hewitt, Asa Morrison and Sam French all making good tackles.

Sammy Jordan had a good run on the wing but Dereham's defence was on top form. Broadland tried to play tight, then wide but it was just not going to be Broadland's day.

Tomorrow Broadland 1st travel to play Beccles in a friendly, kick-off 2.15pm at Beef Meadow, Beccles.