Wymondham U14's 20 V 24 Diss RFC U14's

The Diss under 14’s recovered from yet another slow start to eventually win a pulsating and at times feisty encounter against local rivals Wymondham. Yet again Diss started slowly and due to poor ball retention and too many lateral lines being run by the three quarters, Wymondham scored after 5 minutes. A superb individual break from Ben Waters enabled him to score close to the posts bringing the visitors back into the encounter. Unfortunately the conversion was missed and Wymondham immediately attacked from the kick off. Diss fell off tackles again and for some strange reason failed to attack the rucks thus succumbing to a number of crucial turnovers. As the first half drew to its conclusion Wymondham scored three unanswered tries. The fact that none of these tries were converted was to prove crucial at the end of the game. Diss found themselves yet again playing catch up rugby.
Following a re-evaluation of tactics and clear guidance from the coaches, Diss immediately stepped up to the mark. Playing a far more precise open game and reducing the error count considerably, Diss started to establish authority in the game. Myles Clark began to drive the forwards on with the likes of Freddie Potter, Isaac Powell , Kenny Sayers, Finlay Martin and William Wright all making in-roads into the Wymondham defence. The backs were also now running direct lines, thus creating try scoring opportunities. The opportunity of rotating players at regular intervals was also paying dividends as the home side tired. With fifteen minutes remaining Finlay Martin scored an outstanding individual try from within his own half. Owen Davies stepped up to convert. The game opened up completely with both sides trying to establish authority. Inter play between Finlay Martin and Isaac Powell sent Joe Jermy over for a third Diss try that brought the visitors to within three points of Wymondham.
The next score was without doubt going to decide the game. Wymondham attacked immediately and Diss had to defend for their lives. The entire team rose to the occasion. Attack after attack was repelled. In many ways this period won the game for Diss. As the game entered its final stages, Isaac Powell capitalised on driving play from the forwards and neat handling from the backs to score the winning try. Owen Davies converting again, to secure a gutsy and ultimately well -deserved victory for Andy Jermy’s warriors.
The Bartrums training man of the match was awarded to Ben Faulkner for his tenacious forward runs and support play