DISS U11 AT THE NORTH WALSHAM FESTIVAL

DISS U11 AT THE NORTH WALSHAM FESTIVAL

The tournament got off to a tough start with a match against the hosts, North Walsham. The Diss players started slowly (no, not an hour slow) and were probably fortunate to reach halftime only 1-0 down. In the second half the match was much more closely contested but two late tries by the ultimate winners of the competition saw Walsham triumph 3-0.

The second group match against West Norfolk was a scrappy affair and an evenly fought first half ended pointless. Diss finally got the breakthrough when a strong run by Nathan led to a try by Harry. Almost immediately a breakaway try by West Norfolk made for a tense finale to the game; twice Diss crossed the try line only to be denied by the referee. However, their persistence was rewarded and a drive by Harry led to Dom crashing over for the winning try and a 2-1 victory.

In the final group game the tone was set from the start; Swaffham’s kick off was run back by Harry and finished off by Will for an immediate score. In a one sided contest Diss played their most confident rugby of the day. Strong forward play led to tries by Dom and Harry and twice Aaron scored from jinking blindside runs. Jack’s magnificent charge down of a kick saw Toby score in the corner and at the death a quickly taken penalty led to a Dom try and final victory by 7-0.

Second place in the group meant a place in the plate final against a strong Bury team. In a hard fought first half Bury edged ahead with the only try and two quick scores midway through the second period saw them stretch to a 3-0 lead. Diss deserved a try an a quick burst by Harry and well timed pass saw Liam flying down the wing and scoring in the corner. However, hopes of a comeback were soon quashed by a further try by Bury, who ran out 4-1 victors.

For his ball winning and strong running, Harry was chosen as the Diss player of the day.

Roger Williamson