Dereham were somewhat depleted from their best XV with some players already carrying injuries and others being asked to play in positions to which they were not accustomed.

It was always going to be a difficult afternoon against a strong looking Broadland team who were out to avenge a single-point defeat at Dereham earlier in the season, whilst the visitors themselves have struggled of late to find their early-season form. Missed tackles have contributed significantly to their downfall recently and it was a series of these which led to Broadland's opening try in the fifth minute with four opportunities going begging. But for a superb covering tackle by fly-half Will Affleck, the home team would have added to their score two minutes later.

Despite stout defensive work, the pressure finally told and the visitors' line was eventually breached again in the 15th minute. Dereham were awarded a penalty for a Broadland offside three minutes later and decided to put points on the board. The best period of the game followed for Dereham who threatened to reduce the deficit for a while but got little change out of the home team. A Broadland break and more missed tackles from Dereham saw the home side score under the posts.

The third quarter of the match was even with both sides conceding a series of penalties, one of which was converted by Broadland. Another good try from the home team followed with the ball passed quickly through the backs. Broadland were beginning to run riot at this stage and Dereham had little answer to their direct approach which demonstrated good handling skills and support play.

They away team did eventually go over the Broadland line. However, when a teasing kick through from Affleck was chased well by centre Harry Graham who touched down ahead of the scrambling Broadland defence. This just seemed to galvanise the hosts who were able to run in two more tries.

Dereham captain Rhys Leeder said: 'We've been given a good spanking today. This is not the place to come with anything other than your best team. We just couldn't compete with Broadland's power and we were second best in nearly all areas on the field.

'It's disappointing because we seem to have lost the form we were showing up until Christmas when we were beating teams like this. We need to seriously get ourselves back on track in time for next week's match at home against Medics (2.30pm) who are another good team.'