Broughton travelled to Earlston for their Round 2 Cup Tie knowing that a win would put them in the hat alongside the National Division sides, albeit on a Regional basis, including Associated Club Trinity Accies.

Earlston, currently sitting bottom of our Division, fought hard in the opening half, but with a collection of scenes that wouldn't have looked out of place at the Alamo in the second half, the injury hit hosts run out of steam and players as Broughton ran in 4 second half tries to win 31-03.

Man of the Match was Colin Jarvis (pictured left in action against Hawick Quins).  Colin is also a Kickboxer and the Canadian-born Number 8 notched up a brace of tries to deliver the perfect knock-out blow.

Broughton were forced into a last minute change when Arrandale was stuck in traffic and Malcolm stepped into the Scrum-Half berth and this seemed to unsettle the visitors as the home side, currently sitting bottom of the Regional 1 division, took the game to promotion seeking Broughton.

Early errors were rife amongst the Broughton players and perhaps there was an air of over confidence running through the side.

Mohammed made a break in the 5th minute and a 2-on-1 against the Full-Back with front row partner Nicolson seemed a foregone conclusion however the hooker's hands had second thoughts and they threw the ball forward.

Earlston seemed to take heart from Broughton's lack of finishing prowess and it was them who nearly took a surprise 12th minute lead.  A move by the forward pack on the blindside almost worked a try however it was one pass too many and the flanker was bundled into touch a metre out.

A quarter of the match gone and no scoring.  On paper, Broughton were expected to win this with some to spare.  Unfortunately rugby is not played on paper, and the home side seemed to play far better than their basement position in the League suggested.

Broughton were awarded a penalty for early breaking at the scrum by the energetic Hawick whistler and Matthews kicked into the 22.  The maul from the line out tempted one of the Earlston forwards to come in from the side and Matthews kicked again as Broughton edged towards the posts.  Atkins lost the ball in possession as he tried a burst through the middle and the overly enthusiastic Earlston full-back cleared.  Mohammed's line out was squint but he redeemed himself by winning the resultant scrum. 

This set Jarvis off on a run and the Canadian powerhouse set up a ruck which was quickly blown-up for a Broughton scrum.  Malcolm took the ball from the base and reversed the play back to Matthews.  The big centre interchanged with Keenan and the Earlston defence were left standing.  Matthews ran in under the posts to give himself the easiest of conversions.  0-7.

This seemed to have woken up Earlston and they came back with a great run by their centre who ghosted past Keenan but thankfully Hutchison was at hand to clear up the danger.

Urquhart was penalised for not coming back in through the gate after he tackled the Earlston 10 and after the home Stand-off dusted himself down, he kicked the penalty from his 22 to make it 3-7.

The second half started the same way as the first ended - scrappy and dour.  Thankfully the Broughton players responded to Head Coach Graham Bonner's half-time roasting and in the 53rd minute, Jarvis took his opportunity well and scored in the corner.  Urquhart made a trademark bursting run and he found Arrandale on his shoulder.  Arrandale, who replaced Malcolm after the opening try, popped a perfectly weighted pass to Jarvis.  Matthews hit the post with his conversion attempt.  3-12.

An usual sight greeted the crowd on the hour-mark with the entire front row involved in a passing move out on the right wing.  A quick tap penalty out to Nicolson who passed to fellow prop Wells and with the try-line at his mercy, the Captain decided to unselfishly put in Mohammed.  Unfortunately the hooker couldn't catch the ball and he lost possession when a try was easier to score!

Keen to make up for his error, the Makem Refugee won the resultant scrum and at No.8, Jarvis picked up and his strength and determination got him over the line.  Matthews missed the conversion.  3-17.

The match was effectively over, but two tries in a minute sealed Earlston's fate and booked Broughton's place in the next round.

With 10 minutes left on the clock, Urquhart wrestled the ball free and he released McFarlane.  The promising 21 year old clearly didn't fancy the lung bursting run up the field so he decided to give it to the backs!  Lenihan, fresh from completing the Gaelic Footy season, made a tremendous break up the wing leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.  He spotted Keenan on his inside and his well timed pass put Biggles in for a try under the posts.  Matthews converted. 3-24.