Diss U13s continue to grow

On a clear and mild morning, Diss and Holt competed in a very entertaining match that kept the supporters in full voice throughout. Despite the score line, this was a very even contest in most aspects of the game, with Diss’ handling skills proving the decisive factor.

With Fergus Potter making his season debut in the front row, the Diss scrum was solid and the counter-rucking of the Diss forwards, with Tyler Pursehouse and Sam Geard leading the way, won turnover ball on many occasions.

Diss’ ambitions were evident from the off when a delightful pass from captain Dom Bell-Tye set the backs on their way. Not for the first time this season, winger Harvey Newton used his pace and strength to make significant ground and some last-ditch defensive work by the Holt players managed to prevent their try-line from being breached.

However, this was only a temporary respite as the Diss forwards and backs combined in another flowing move that saw Newton threaten the Holt line once again. And with 3 defenders in attention, he was able to find a deft inside pass to scrum-half Leo Sargent who dived over the line for the first try.

Diss continued to throw the ball around with confidence and another move was finished off by centre Nathan Brand, with Aaron Frith adding the conversion.

Holt were very much in the game and continued to challenge the Diss defensive line with some strong and direct running, but fearless tackling from flankers Jack Largent and Sam Willett and half-backs Sargent and Frith managed to limit the visitors’ progress.

Half-time arrived with the score 12-0 and the players and supporters congregated for 2 minutes of reflective silence ahead of Armistice Day.

Diss kicked off the second half with the breeze on their backs and the closely contested nature of the first half continued, with thrust and parry from both teams. Diss’ ability to move the ball wide provided the key to unlocking the Holt defense and another strong run from Newton saw him beat several would-be tacklers on his 40m run to the corner.

But Holt players were still competing and this latest setback spurred them on to a higher gear. They enjoyed a sustained period of pressure with wave after wave of attack being repelled by the Diss defensive line. But eventually, after a couple of penalties and a quick tap and drive from Cameron, the Diss line was breached and Holt were deservedly on the scoreboard.

From the restart, Holt continued to press hard but the Diss defensive line held firm, eventually winning a series of rucks and regaining and retaining the ball.

Having been starved of possession for a considerable period, Diss wasted no time making use of it once more and by stretching the Holt backline first one way and then the other, the Diss backs were able to create a little bit of space for Toby Drake to receive the ball. With quick feet and a side-step to beat the first 2 defenders, the centre left the remaining players in his wake as he used his blistering pace to run a lovely arc from the halfway line and touch down under the posts. Frith added the conversion.

This seemed to take the wind out of the Holt sails and the last couple of minutes of play saw Diss camped near their opponents’ line. As the pressure built, Holt conceded a few penalties of their own and with the last play of the game another penalty saw Brand use his strength to crash through a crowd of defenders to score his second try of the day. Frith added the conversion to take the score to 31-5.

Although it was the Diss backs who scored their 5 tries, the team’s performance was built on the excellent work of the forwards. This effort was typified by man-of-the-match Alex Erhorn, whose industry in the scrums, rucks and mauls helped to ensure a regular supply of quick ball that the whole team was able to enjoy, leading to this well-deserved and satisfying win against a strong Holt team.