Sunday saw the U14’s first ever Cup match – at home versus Crusaders – delivering a good 49:34 victory for Diss. It was gutsy performance and one to draw from in the future reflecting the obstacles overcame to win the game.

Bright sunshine greeted both teams and supporters, however Diss faced an early ‘curve ball’ as Crusaders only had 11 players available. With Diss bringing 18 players (expecting 15 a side), and with Cup rules requiring a matching of player numbers on the pitch it meant we had 7 subs that had to be used. While Crusaders had player and position continuity for the full match, Diss were forced to constantly rotate the team which disrupted both players and formation. It was something the team faced into, but was less than ideal and hard on players expecting a full game.

From the kick-off Diss played some of their best rugby this season, gelling as a team. Strong rucking ensured possession, while ball movement delivered good territorial gain. The reward was two Diss trys. The first from a line out on the left, won by Ryan Anozia, passed the ball to the backs who moved it infield, gaining territory. From the breakdown Harry Edmunds passed back to Anozia who had pace and momentum to break the line and rush over for the score, converted by Will Worley, 7:0. Next came another good example of ‘basics delivering success’ – a midfield scrum allowed debutant Harvey Davies to pass to Alex Allott who made good ground before offloading to Will Elliott who got close to the try line. Rather than attempt to pick up the ball the team rucked to secure possession then Davies swooped in and dived over for his first score, 12:0.

At this point players were rotated and the team seemed to lose their impetus. Crusaders got back in the match getting more possession and two trys were conceded, 12:10. A notable mention must go to Will Worley at fullback who again stopped many try scores with his last man tackling – he’s an example to the team with technique and desire not to let anyone past. Unfortunately, he took a knock later in the game so had to sit out a chunk of the second half.

Diss got some momentum back through a score by Charlie North who had a great game, back to his marauding best and proving a real handful for the opposition. First, he ran from midfield to score in the corner 17:10, then he backed up some good team rucking and a strong break by Jaiden Mutsambiwa to receive a pass and again dive into the corner to score, 22:10. Crusaders had one more score to half time, 22:15.

At the break more players were rotated and a new combination took to the pitch. Again, it took this new group time to find their feet while Crusaders were straight back in and scoring. It left the disbelieving supporters eyeing a scoreline of 22:29 with Diss now requiring two trys to get back in front and the clock ticking down. The team understood this, didn’t panic and instead delivered an immense performance in the last third of the game.

With play and pressure constantly in the Crusaders half the boys had phase after phase to get the first score. Pressure on the left side of the pitch by Kit Brodie, Jake Wolfe and Charlie North gained territory. When checked the ball was switched across the whole pitch by Davies, Edmund, Allott to Will Elliott who drove forward but was checked close to the line. Elliott passed out to Joseph Davison on the wing who side-stepped the last man to score 27:29. This was swiftly followed from the restart by a Jake Wolfe power-run through the middle to score under the posts and then converted by Davies placing Diss ahead 34:29.

Diss kept up the pressure and scoring. First another move that spread the ball to one wing and then the other. Jake Hayhoe (an U13 playing up for this match) at scrum half moved the ball to Connor Fell on the right. When checked Fell moved the ball back inside to Davies, Allott and Wolfe who passed to Charlie North to turn on the afterburners and combining brilliantly with Kit Brodie doing 1-2’s went over for his third try, 39:29. More strong play down the centre this time saw a penalty to Diss on the Crusaders 22, a training ground move got the boys even closer. From the resulting ruck Harvey Davies collected and dived through the throng to bag his second try, 44:29. Crusaders scored one more time to get to 44:29 before ‘man of the match’ Jake Wolfe scored the final try with a deceptive long run from deep. He could be likened to a ‘runaway train’ as once he gets going nothing can catch him and nothing can stop him! Final score Diss 49 vs Crusaders 34.

This was a performance the young team can draw great stock from and showed strength in all departments. Committed hard tackling, rucking and defence from Toby Dickenson, Tom Vettraino, Connor Fell, Will Worley and Toby Groves. Distribution, creativity and vision from Jake Hayhoe, Harvey Davies, Harry Edmunds, Aaron Locktich, Joseph Davison, Jaiden Mutsambiwa and Alex Allott. Power, aggression and fury from Peace Joshua, Ryan Anozia, Kit Brodie, Charlie North, Jake Wolfe and Will Elliott.

There is no doubt that the requirement to rotate so many players meant that everyone had less time on the pitch, both moving positions and getting off the pace again. This was overcome by the heart and commitment everyone had, backed up by more discipline and skill across the team. The coaches played back how proud they were, a sentiment shared by the supporters from both sides. There remain a number of points to pick up in training – passing accuracy, particularly under pressure - however the big reflection point is that the boys know they can compete with any team, and can dig deep to graft out a victory.

Well done to all and thanks to both sets of supporters and teams for a really entertaining match. There was a sizeable crowd reflecting the weather and the Cup atmosphere who cheered both sides. Thanks to Crusaders who are a great bunch with excellent coaches. Finally, a thanks to Megan for refereeing as it is so encouraging to see young talent coming through as officials.

Next match is Royston at home – our first time playing this team who are travelling a good distance. This is followed by two away fixtures at West Norfolk and Ipswich before our next Cup match away to North Walsham.

Peter Allott