Dereham 24 Great Yarmouth-Broadland 12 – Moorgate faithful enjoy a crucial home triumph
Gareth Roberts sets up another Dereham attack. Picture: KIRSTY DREW - Credit: Archant
Dereham entertained Broadland in a top-of-the-table clash at Moorgate Road in front of a good crowd including a number of past players and captains, writes Marcus Evans.
Dereham started the Eastern Counties Two North game brightly with plenty of early possession which soon forced the visitors into conceding a penalty in front of the posts, which was converted to give Dereham a 3-0 lead after just five minutes. Broadland didn't take long to get back into the game however and soon found themselves with a penalty, in a similar position, at the other end of the field but the kick was unconverted.
A small lapse in concentration after 20 minutes saw a Dereham pass in midfield intercepted with the Broadland centre making the most of the opportunity to score under the posts (converted). Dereham, as always, got themselves straight back into the game and soon had possession deep into the Broadland half. At this point Broadland were desperately giving away a number of cynical penalties which resulted in a yellow card for their loosehead prop.
Dereham did finish off the half well with a quick tap and go from five metres out by second row for the day Lewis Smith (converted) and a well worked backs move, flowing through Harry Graham, Craig Chester, Isisar Bobo all the way to winger Rudy Gant who finished off the fine move in the corner (unconverted), giving Dereham a 15-7 lead at the break.
The second half began with Broadland scoring well out wide with the scrambling Dereham defenders finding themselves outnumbered (unconverted).
The Dereham defence was put under pressure at times however big tackles and good discipline all over the park, kept the visitors at bay.
A further three penalties from Evans saw the game out with Dereham ending up deserved winners.
Most Read
- 1 Fears access road for new housing will be built on sacred land
- 2 Why this Dereham store is attracting athletes from across the UK
- 3 Troops parade through Dereham after being given freedom of the town
- 4 Norfolk festival cancelled amid 'challenging year'
- 5 Drink driver caught at three times legal limit on A1067
- 6 Biker taken to hospital after crash involving SUV
- 7 Man to pay out almost £400 after fishing in River Wensum in close season
- 8 Hinton sends farewell message to fans after leaving Magpies
- 9 Man dies after collapsing during dog walk in Norfolk village
- 10 Man charged in connection with burglary at Dereham home
Despite the win Dereham remain second, by virtue of having won less games than Broadland, with only two games remaining.
Their penultimate fixture takes place at Diss on Saturday while Yarmouth host Norwich Lions II.