Broadland 0, Thetford 41BROADLAND hosted league champions Thetford, who dropped only two league points all season and were in good form to take a comfortable win.

Broadland 0, Thetford 41

BROADLAND hosted league champions Thetford, who dropped only two league points all season and were in good form to take a comfortable win.

Broadland were on the back foot from the kick-off and it became clear Thetford were going to utilise a well-organised maul at every opportunity, and they scored early as Broadland simply ran out of defenders.

Broadland's scrum was solid as Richard Bristo, George Jarvis and captain Matt Beckett did a superb job of disruption, complemented by some excellent harassment from Andy Hewitt and Adam Towfighi in the back row.

Thetford attacks did not let up and two tries from the maul saw the game begin to drift out of reach.

One of the highlights of the half was an interception by Ed Dixon at his own five, and a dazzling run which took him almost to the halfway line.

Scrum-half Jamie Alfshinpour was working the ball well, but Broadland could not get into decent field position. Thetford drove over for another try.

Broadland's centres Mark White and Ashley Lightfoot were making their tackles count but Thetford support was superb, leading to a further try before the half to give them a comfortable 31-0 lead.

Broadland made two substitutions with Tommy Simmonds and Khan Bilyard joining the pack. Broadland's attacking play improved through good work from Ben Collings and Leighton Buckley, and full-back Brad Sutherland had a close-range drop goal attempt blocked.

Broadland's line-out began working like clockwork with hooker Bilyard favouring the longer ball to Asa Morrison.

Increased possession was giving fly-half Simon Ruddick opportunities to get the ball moving downfield, despite some excellent cover tackles.

Thetford scored a breakaway try in the corner through sheer numbers in support play. Broadland made their final replacement with Jake Sewell coming onto the wing. Thetford scored a final try in the last 10, but Broadland's second-half performance had improved dramatically.

Broadland: B Sutherland, B Collings, M White, A Lightfoot, L Buckley, S Ruddick, J Alfshinpour, M Beckett (captain), G Jarvis, R Bristo, A Riches, A Morrison, A Hewitt, E Dixon, ATowfighi.

Rep: K Bilyard (40 minutes) T Simmonds (40) J Sewell (55).

Tomorrow Broadland first XV ends their playing season as they travel to play Swaffham in the Norfolk Plate final

(kick-off 3pm).

It will be Broadland's sixth appearance in the plate final in 11 years, having won

from 1997-99 and in 2003 as well as being runners-up last year.

The Broadland Inter-Club Sevens takes place from 1pm on May 10 at Cobholm Playing Fields, Great Yarmouth. Sunday, May 11 is the Broadland Youth end-of-season fun day from 10am-3pm.

The end-of-season gentleman's dinner and awards night takes place on May 17 at the Broadland Clubhouse.

Limited tickets are available from Kevan Pywell on 01493 850340. For further details visit www.broadlandrfc.com