Broadland III v L & Y III Drifters

Due to two late call offs on Friday evening Drifters travelled to Broadland with only thirteen players.
Even in the warm up it was evident that L & Y were not going to let this mar the enjoyment of a fiercely competitive local derby. Broadlands’ first team game had been cancelled that morning and this was reflected in their starting fifteen.

Competition rules only allow a side to start with one more player but this player turned out to be a very quick and talented winger who scored four tries in the first half and gave Broadland plenty of front foot ball.

Twenty minutes into the game ex L & Y physio Paul Alcock who was there to watch the game got himself changed and joined the fray.
Drifters had battled hard up to this point with everybody tackling as if their lives depended on it, Paul’s arrival into the game galvanised this effort and gave L & Y fresh impetus.

Broadland led 42-0 at half time but L & Y continued to make them fight for every point. Twenty minutes into the second half, Drifters were back down to thirteen men when David Rose left the field with a shoulder injury. This seemed to spur L & Y onto greater things and after several near misses driving at the Broadland line, Paul Alcock touched down under the posts which was converted by Chris Mason rounding off a fine kicking display.

All players involved in the game should feel proud off their efforts, it’s hard to single out individuals in what was a fantastic team effort but special mention should be made to Glenn Batty outstanding in his first game for sixteen years and Jacob Conway in his first season for the club who, in his last game, stepped up two levels to represent L & Y first team in only his third game as a back row player. He continued his fine efforts by tackling every Broadland player in front of him and showing great stamina by returning to his feet to always be on hand as a support player.

Next Saturday sees Drifter’s old boy Phil Colby celebrate his 50th birthday by bringing a select fifteen to the club. It is hoped many of Phil’s old playing partners will be there to support and maybe put their boots on to help him celebrate. Kick off is at 3pm.