The U14’s had a tough match and a lesson from a very good and well drilled Royston side. It was a match played in a great spirit with hard tackles but also pats on the back from both sides in a mutual show of respect.

Diss faced a challenge from the off with only 14 players available. A big thanks should go to Stephen Chaoldson who stepped in at the last minute to play when he found others were not there, despite a damaged knee. With 2 more players injured in the match - Finlay Dyson (knee) and Will Elliott (broken finger), the Diss injury list is starting to look like an episode of Casualty with Will Worley, Jaden Johnson, Santos Ledesma and Liam Brighton all currently sidelined.

The match result - a loss to Diss, 8 trys to 1 - was a fair reflection of the superiority Royston had across the match. There are many points to take away - on the one hand how to improve, and on the other a number of positive points reflecting the commitment shown by every player on the pitch.

First the development areas that need to get quickly sorted. Royston showed the team what a fast back line looks like - they were in the boys faces the second the ball was moved out. Conversely the boys line was static waiting for the opposition to come onto them while giving the attackers time to build speed and momentum - they quickly need to learn how to defensively close down the opposition. Secondly the attacking line is far to flat and ponderous with no forward progression. Again lessons to learn from Royston who moved the line, and were communicating well as a unit. The Diss boys need to be clear what good looks like, what they should do, and then verbalise that to their teammates. Finally Royston were particularly good at attacking in ‘pods’ of 2 or 3 players. Not only did this give progression it also meant they did not lose one ruck over the entire match - despite some fine aggression and counter rucking by the Diss boys. This is another string to the bow that we need to take on board.

The day was not all about things to improve - the team’s tackling was relentless and mostly of a high standard as was the defensive rucking. Will Elliot played fullback for the first time (covering for the injured Will Worley), he tackled ferociously supporting the back line until he sustained a broken finger. Equally Aaron Locktich played with real fire and showed great promise as Flanker as did Toby Dickenson at second row who looks like he could thrive as a forward. Finlay Dyson ran hard on the wing until injured, and Alex Allott moved his game to a new level with an outstanding tackling display. Connor Fell made a number of breakaway runs and worked really well with Toby Groves to take the fight to Royston going close to a score. Man of the match Harvey Davies brought an all round game and was so influential in directing his teammates. Harry Edmunds and Joseph Davison demonstrated why they are so reliable with their handling while Kit Brodie and Charlie North were strong and incisive throughout the day. Jake Wolfe was a rock in the defence as was Stephen Chaoldson despite his limited movement due to an injured knee.

The result was not great but the team heart was - a point commented on by both the officials and the Royston team. Thanks to the supporters who cheered to the end.

Our next 3 matches are 'on the road’ - with West Suffolk next week, Ipswich the week after, followed by the next Cup match vs North Walsham. With much to work on we hope there will be a good turnout for training on Tuesday to take into the game away to West Norfolk.

Peter Allott