James Winterbottom terrorised Lowestoft and Yarmouth 2nds as Diss 3rds swept aside their coastal rivals with a 62-7 bonus-point victory in the league at Belrope Lane. The former youth international second row lock spearheaded Diss’s 12-try assault on L and Y as Benny Goodmans men banished a miserable result against Watton in the previous league game.
Winterbottom was the architect of Diss's second try and produced two stunning hand-offs to score early on after prop Karlton Gray had got the score rolling with a quick tap go try. What followed was a period of sustained pressure from the Coastal visitors and attack at length and with no little width as they might, L and Y could not break Diss so the visitors were forced back to the outside of the Diss twenty two when the try of the first half arrived. John Alexander at number eight picked up and ran forty metres with captain Benny Goodman on his shoulder and after riding through various tackles he released Goodman to race in from outside the Yarmouth twenty two.
As the second half drew to a close Diss kept on top and the sides changed ends with the wind at the backs of Diss. Several tries were scored throughout the half , one to mention was the pass and loop of both second rows Paul Cayley and Winterbottom which resulted in Chris Trede scoring, Dougie Moir got on the score sheet from scrum half and Eddie Bullock, the Colts number ten, also got himself a couple. Yarmouth managed to get a score to their credit but Diss returned back as Naz Girgin, who is on the injury comeback trail, helped John Alexander score and winger Tom Clancy added another try to go along with his debut try of last week.
Jack Owen should get a mention as he covered Hooker to show his excellent versatility from back row and Will Brundle who has recently entered the match day squad got important minutes in the second row. If you add Jo Sides welcome return in the second half with plenty of turnovers and further options in an already strong back row this is vital leading to the build up to the busy cup and Christmas period in the coming games. Diss will enjoy the same surroundings but instead the first team pitch as they entertain Wymondham 2 at Diss as the only team at home this coming weekend. Adnams Prosecco man of the match James Winterbottom.
Howard Goodman
Training Co-ordinator