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.

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.