Norfolk Cup

In perfect conditions for rugby it was third time lucky for the teams after two earlier postponements.

The first half was played largely inside the West Norfolk half but was a slightly frustrating watch for the home supporters. There was forceful running throughout, with the backs looking particularly dangerous. The frustration arose from not turning possession into points and when Diss lost the ball after 10 minutes it was quickly transferred to Ezra Nwobodo just inside his own half and he evaded several tackles to score his umpteenth try against Diss (0-7). Chances continued to come the way of the home team (and also to go) until finally, after concerted pressure, Dom Bell-Tye picked up at the base of a 5m scrum and a quick pass to Toby Drake meant an easy try in the corner (5-7). Further good progress was often undone by indiscipline, as several penalties were conceded. However, when a ball was stolen at a West Norfolk lineout, simple hands Newton along the line allowed Harvey to break a tackle and score a try that Aaron Frith converted (12-7). The half ended on a familiar theme, with Sam Geard superbly held up over the line by the visitors' defence (HT 12-7).

In the second half the effort put in reaped its rewards, with West Norfolk tiring and Diss able to field strong replacements from the sideline. The home side quickly extended their lead as a solid scrum allowed Bell-Tye to release David Thorne on the blind side for a try in the corner; this was improved as Newton caught the restart and surged through the whole of the West Norfolk defence for a superb individual try beneath the posts (Frith converted to make the score 24-7). To their credit West Norfolk competed to the very end and although they had a 5m penalty initially repulsed, the ball was quickly recycled for Nwobodo to score his second try (24-12). The final 10-15 minutes saw Diss press home the advantage of their greater squad numbers and better fitness. Terrific mauling by Sam Burnett led to a blindside run by Bell-Tye to the corner and when Nathan Brand was held up over the line, Frith sent a long miss pass for Thorne to score his second try (Bell-Tye converted: 36-12). Finally, lovely hands along the line allowed Bell-Tye to race clear and score the last try beneath the posts; Frith converted to make the final score 43-12.

Although the late flurry of tries put a bit of a gloss on the final score, Diss had definitely put in a great deal of hard work and had earned the right to play expansively at the end. There were good performances throughout the team, with the forwards grabbing two scrums against the head and strong displays by the three Sams (Burnett, Geard and Willet). However it was widely felt that no. 8 and captain Bell-Tye had put in one of his very best performances for the Club, combining strong forward play to excellent linking with the backs together with great leadership across the team. For this all-round display he was deservedly named Man of the Match.