Diss started off with a match against the hosts and in the first half Sam Geard showed how much he has improved by twice bursting through to score. Nathan Brand caught the kick off to the second half and ran through the defence to score, Harry crossed the line after good work at the lineout by Sam Burnett and the ball passed along the line for Connor to wrap up the scoring. (25-0)

The ‘crunch’ match of the group saw Diss face North Walsham and a strangely subdued performance allowed Walsham to open a two try lead. A break from a maul by Harry cut the deficit but it proved too little, too late. The big frustration was that this was a match that could have been won and may well have been but for some below par tackling and decision making. Will Rapkin took a knock to the head in the match and (understandably) took no further part in the tournament; his forceful running was undoubtedly missed but he thankfully appeared no worse for the knock. (5-10)

The final group match against Swaffham was a one-sided affair and Diss ran in nine unanswered tries. There was some fine running and good support play, emphasising the disappointment at the performance in the previous match. Scorers were Toby Drake (2), Nathan Brand, Harry (from a sweet pass by Jedd), Connor (a mazy run that left about two blades of the pitch untouched!), Alex, Harvey, Leo (following a strong run by Jordan), and Sam Willett (following a tricky run by Aaron). (45-0)

Second place in the group meant a place in the plate final against Ipswich YM. It was a pulsating match against strong opposition with Diss trying to play an open expansive game and Ipswich YM performing particularly strongly in the pack. Midway through the second half a quick strike at the scrum gave Nathan Shaw the time and space to wriggle over for what appeared a crucial try. However, the players perhaps mentally switched off from the restart and a brief period of pressure saw Ipswich score in the corner. Both sides pressed for the winner and only frantic defending prevented Harry scoring at the death. With the scores level, the plate was shared – probably a fair result. It was especially good to see the ‘real’ Diss team turn up and bodes well for the final tournament of the season at Sudbury next week.

On a day when all the tackles made were not committed and round the legs, jack was an honourable exception. His tackling and support play were exemplary and he well deserved his Player of the Day award.

Roger Williamson