Norwich 20 : 24 Diss - 14th March 2015

Diss edged out Norwich to book their place in the Norfolk cup final in a pulsating game that the visitors looked in control of at half time until Norwich hit back during the second half.

The play during the first 15 minutes fluctuated from end to end but following a penalty, Diss camped on the Norwich line with a series of lineouts and scrums. With their significant weight advantage they disrupted a Norwich 5 metre scrum and from the resulting ruck, Tim Groom powered over for a try to give the visitors a five point lead. The conversion was missed.

6 minutes later, following some excellent open field running by Richie Rhodes and Michael Campton-Smith the home side were awarded a penalty at a ruck on 22 metres in front of the posts which Ben Girling kicked to take the score to 3 -5.

Play fluctuated again but a very promising Norwich break out down the right wing broke down following a poor pass and Diss slickly moved the ball wide allowing Josh Ludkin to break through the Norwich defence to score near the Norwich posts giving Jack Kepple an easy conversion which took the score to 3-12.

Both sides continued to have brief periods of ascendancy punctuated by seemingly endless penalties but with minutes to go in the first half, and following a stolen Norwich lineout, Pete Bray scored near the right hand corner and although the conversion was missed Diss ended the half with a 3-17 lead.

Within 8 minutes of the second half Norwich had reduced the deficit following a try from Campton-Smith which Girling converted taking the score to 10-17.

7 minutes later Ryan Carter scored under the posts for Diss to extend to extend their lead to 10-24.

Within a minute an interception by Campton-Smith led to his second try which reduced the visitors lead to 9 points.

Five minutes later Norwich prop Pip Scott was sent to the sin bin and the home supporters feared that the Diss side would exploit their numerical superiority as they had done the previous week but this time the Norwich defence held out for the full 10 minutes.

Within a minute of Pip Scott returning to the field Diss forward Jacob Page was sent to the sin bin. Norwich worked a flowing backs movement which resulted in Callum Macaulay scoring in the left hand corner taking the score to 20-24. The conversion was missed.
With the advantage of one player more than their opponents Norwich launched attacks against their opponents but despite possible opportunities were unable to convert any of them as a stout Diss defence kept them at bay.

Neither side were at their best but the spectators were treated to a close match that will see Diss in the cup final once again.

Andy Pott