Diss U13's V Colchester B

As the Colchester B team ran out onto the 1st team pitch at Mackenders they looked an imposing sight with many of the forwards over 6 foot. Diss U13 were briefed that an impressive defence display would be needed if we were to prevent Colchester from overpowering us, and so it began with wave after wave of Colchester attacks being thwarted by strong tackling. Drew Harris was outstanding in the early exchanges, proving to be unbeatable on the wing. Eventually Colchester pulled our defence into the middle and using the gap created ran through for the first try.
Diss were stirred by this and Ben Faulkner, Ben Waters and Dylan Smith playing in the ¾’s all made probing runs into the Colchester 22. The line speed was unstoppable and it meant Owen Davies could go over unopposed for the equalling Diss try.
Diss forwards were now getting to grips with the larger opposition and were unlucky not to score from a driven maul when held up over the line. Diss then infringed at the breakdown and from the resulting penalty Colchester scored try number 2
Diss worked their way patiently into the Colchester half with a series of pick and go moves and when the opportunity arose the ball went quickly through the backs. Ben Waters made ground and fed the ball to Joe Jermy at pace to score. Many spectators noted that the Diss Coach appeared somewhat emotional at the perfect execution of a prepared move.
Diss forwards were now starting to gain more ball. Freddie Potter ripped the ball from a ruck and ran through the Colchester defence, as the cover came towards him he slipped the ball to the ever quick Owen Davies to score his second try. Throughout the half Miles Clark and Henry Robinson didn’t miss a tackle. Half Time 3 -2
Diss changed 3 forwards and the entire back line for the second half. Colchester were quickly out of the blocks and scored. The new Diss backs responded quickly themselves with Stan Spurdens giving the ball to Ashton Darwell-Taylor who set off on a fast jinking run and scored.
In this hotly contested back and forth battle Colchester scored next. (4-4) Then they scored a fifth. Due to a Diss injury Joe Jermy came back onto the field and following another strong run linked up with Ashton Darwell-Taylor to see him score his 2nd try (5-5). Colchester were now attacking again and again. The Diss defence held firm, especially Henry Robinson who tackled the bigger forwards without fear. Diss were penalised for not rolling away and for off side on a few occasions and this may have been due to fatigue from a momentous defensive effort but it eventually led to the sixth Colchester try.
With time running out and in a repeat of the last Diss try Joe Jermy made the initial run and gave the ball to Ashton Darwell-Taylor who scored the equalising try and completed his hat trick.
A thoroughly competitive and enjoyable game of rugby.