Woodfordes Norfolk Cup

After the club official opening, things got down to business with the matter of the Woodfordes Norfolk Cup to be decided. A large crowd was present to witness the proceedings between the local rivals. With a very wet pitch after another night of heavy rain things weren’t going to be easy for the players.

Diss started well pushing forward their advantage in the front row but Walsham missed a chance to score when a penalty by James Forrester was kicked wide. Both teams fought hard and Diss, after consistent pressure were able to score with Shaquille Meyers going over in the corner. With the heavy mud not helping the kickers, Chris Beard missed the conversion.

Walsham’s David Treglown was successful in pulling a penalty back though but it was not long before Deaglan Hall worked well to set up Meyers for his second score, the conversion again missed. Diss forward Tim Groom was sent to the sin bin just before half time but Walsham failed to use the advantage and it was 10-3 at half time.

Walsham came out fighting for the start of the second half and frustratingly received a yellow card for Hodgson. Diss then moved into overdrive and kept battling at the Walsham line, after repeated infringements by Walsham a yellow was shown to their No.1, Stuart Loose. Play continued in the same vein though and shortly after the referee had seen enough awarding a penalty try to Diss which was converted by Beaird. Walsham’s spirit wasn’t lost at this point and they were able to cross the line despite a strong Diss defence. Then, after a line out, Hodgson went over to score for the visitors again, Treglown converted. This was not comfortable with the Diss supporters and the Walsham fans were thinking about a comeback as there was not much more than 10 minutes remaining. To give the Vikings more hope, Diss’ Will Farrer was yellow-carded but this only served to see Diss determination and grit show through and they pushed harder towards the Walsham line whose defence was by now becoming more desperate and more infringements led to a second penalty try for Diss. The conversion was missed but that was the end to an epic game in difficult conditions. As the players applauded each other off the pitch for Captain Matt Richards to receive the trophy the sun came out to top a great day of rugby.

Diss Coach, Phil Sharpe, said “We had the upper hand, Walsham were strong and you always had to be wary of them turning, they are a good side and credit should go to Nick Greenhall (Coach) for the way they played, but we showed we wanted it more”

Report by Mike Bardwell