Broadland 10, Haverhill 6BROADLAND pulled back a late score to take a valuable Eastern Counties 2 win against defensively orientated visitors.Haverhill kicked off and with the wind behind them had a considerable first-half advantage.

Broadland 10, Haverhill 6

BROADLAND pulled back a late score to take a valuable Eastern Counties 2 win against defensively orientated visitors.

Haverhill kicked off and with the wind behind them had a considerable first-half advantage. They soon took the lead through a penalty kick.

Broadland's front three were in dominant form. Fly half Simon Ruddick picked off an interception, and looked certain to score, only for play to be called back for an earlier infringement. Haverhill put over a second penalty to lead 6-0.

The strong wind was forcing a running game from Broadland and Matt Beckett, Richard Bristo and Mark Cammock all had good runs in the tight. Centre Mark White created a half-chance, but Broadland could not force a break.

They made one replacement at the half with Andy Riches coming on at prop, and with the wind on their side Broadland began making some good territory. No 8 Adam Towfighi made good ground, with some excellent support from Sam French and Andy Hewitt, and Haverhill were forced into a number of defensive kicks to touch.

Broadland made a second substitution with Tommy Simmonds joining the back row. Jamie Alfshinpour had two long-range penalty kicks go wide but Broadland were moving the ball well.

Good work from fly half Simon Ruddick created space to allow centre Ashley Lightfoot to power through from close range to score (unconverted) but with less than 20 minutes to go Broadland were still trailing by a point.

They pushed Haverhill hard. Ben Collins and Leighton Buckley both had good runs and it looked as if the score was coming from the Great Yarmouth side. However, every time Broadland progressed inside the Haverhill 22 metre line the attacks broke down.

Broadland finally worked down to the five metre line, Hooker Khan Bilyard came close, Andy Riches got down to the goalline and flanker Ed Dixon picked up from less than six inches out to touchdown (unconverted).

Broadland held firm for the last five with scrum half Jamie Alfshinpour putting in a long kick to touch from the base of a scrum to conclude the game.

Team: J Sewell, B Collins, M White, A Lightfoot, L Buckley, S Ruddick, F Alfshinpour, M Beckett (capt), K Bilyard, R Bristo, S French, M Cammock, A Hewitt, E Dixon, ATowfighi. Replacements: A Riches (40 mins), T Simmonds (55 mins).