Broadland Great Yarmouth 1st XV 24, Harwich & Dovercourt 1st XV 5BROADLAND-GREAT YARMOUTH'S 25th anniversary season kicked off last week as they hosted Harwich and Dovercourt, a well contested match was closed out by the visitors in the second half as the home side failed to capitalise on excellent field position on a number of occasionsBroadland-Great Yarmouth kicked off and both teams made early forays into each other's half.

Broadland Great Yarmouth 1st XV 24, Harwich & Dovercourt 1st XV 5

BROADLAND-GREAT YARMOUTH'S 25th anniversary season kicked off last week as they hosted Harwich and Dovercourt, a well contested match was closed out by the visitors in the second half as the home side failed to capitalise on excellent field position on a number of occasions

Broadland-Great Yarmouth kicked off and both teams made early forays into each other's half. Broadland came close with some good work and fly half Ashley Lightfoot had an early penalty attempt go wide. Harwich however were the first to capitalise as they went over in the corner for a score (converted) Broadland however were straight back on the attack and sustained pressure through some hard work from captain Matt Beckett and lock Sam French saw Broadland set close. Prop Richard Bristo drove the ball on and with a ruck set 10m out scrum half Simon Ruddick saw space behind the Harwich line and chipped the ball over, full back Brad Sutherland managed to collect from outstretched hands before diving over to score (unconverted). The pace of the game was fast as Harwich tried to take the ball wide and Broadland-Great Yarmouth were intent on using the forwards on the fringes. Harwich broke to score to extend the lead to 12-0.

After the half Broadland were linking well in the midfield but were struggling to make the connection to the backs. A misplaced pass was Harwich's gain as they scored as the centre went in untouched (converted). Broadland scrum was holding its own and hooker Rye Bilyard was linking well with both Towfighi and Morrison in the lineout. Out wide wings Jake Sewell and Tristan Barber were getting the ball but rarely with any space to work in. Defensively Broadland were making their tackles count as Ed Dixon and Royce Chiddle were involved in the thick of the action. The new centre partnership of Stacey Ledgerwood and Abeysekera Mossie showed some promise but never really had the opportunity to shine. Veteran Matt Scott was brought on to add some pace, and Broadland were moving the ball with ease, a yellow card for each side saw Rye Bilyard placed in the sin bin for a technical foul. With both sides reduced to 14, space was suddenly readily available and it was Harwich who gained as they broke to score. Broadland-Great Yarmouth brought on two further replacements with Rian Gallie and Andy Hewitt joining the pack in the last 10 minutes.

1st XV Team: B Sutherland, T Barber, A Mossie, S Ledgerwood, J Sewell, A Lightfoot, S Ruddick, M Beckett (capt), R Bilyard, R Bristo, R Chiddle, S French A Morrison, E Dixon, ATowfighi.

Replacements: M Scott (55 mins), A Hewitt (70 mins), R Gallie (72 mins).

Tries: Sutherland.

Con: Lightfoot 0 of 1.

Pen: Lightfoot 0 of 1.

Broadland-Great Yarmouth were able to play in a new playing strip provided by local company Comm-Tech who specialise in data solutions. Company representative Justin Millar was able to present the new playing shirts to club chairman Asa Morrison, club captain Matt Becket and club coach Andy Hargrave prior to the match.

The club's 25th anniversary dinner will take place on October 25 at 7pm, in a marquee adjacent to the clubhouse. Tickets are available from the Kings Arms, Northgate Street, Great Yarmouth 01493 843736 or from Kevan (Pug) Pywell on 07505139460. Tickets cost £30 per person which includes guest speakers, dinner and dancing till late.

On September 27 there is also an open invitation to all former players and members to return to the club for a reunion barbecue, the clubhouse will open at 2pm, anyone who has been involved with the club over the last quarter of a century is very welcome to attend as is anyone interested in become involved in rugby in Great Yarmouth as a player or supporter.

Senior training continues on Wednesday night 7 to 9pm through until April, open to all players over 17. Anyone interested in playing rugby in Great Yarmouth should contact head coach Andy Hargrave on 07702 673259.

Youth and Mini Rugby

Broadland-Great Yarmouth's youth rugby takes place Sunday mornings from 10am till noon at Cobholm playing fields just off the A12 between the Gapton Hall roundabout and Breydon Bridge. Broadland-Great Yarmouth's policy of inclusive access to physical activity continues as there is no charge for children to attend training and there are no match fees for youth players. Boys and girls aged five to 16 are welcome to attend and all sessions are taken by qualified coaches.