Match Report

DISS RFC 36 – 29 WEST NORFOLK RFC

Diss continued on their winning ways with a deserved and ultimately pleasing win against a very competitive and determined West Norfolk side. From the outset both sides played an attractive brand of open rugby that would certainly have been pleasing on the eye for the large crowd attending.

Within the first minute of the game a drive from Gary White set up Hugo Barrett who made a clean break eventually feeding Will Scott. Will Waddingham ran an intelligent line to take Will Scott’s pass to score close to the posts to give the home side first blood.
Unfortunately, early in the half Diss were forced to make changes due to injuries to Gary White and John Laurie. West Norfolk responded admirably themselves by scoring a well constructed try out on the wing. As the game entered the second quarter Chris Beaird found himself within his own half. So started a typical Beaird run that combined raw strength and deft running skills, eventually resulting in a superb individual try.

The Diss forwards were not having their own way in the tight but in the loose the likes of Matt Richards and Nick Garnham were proving a real handful for the visitors. The Diss forwards released- fast ruck ball that sent Hugo Barratt clear to give Diss a ten point advantage just prior to half time. Yet again West Norfolk rallied, pressuring the home side’s try line. Chris Beaird was sin-binned following cumulative Diss penalties and West Norfolk tapped over a penalty to leave the half time score at 15-8.

The third quarter of the game was totally dominated by West Norfolk. Combining close quarter play with a willingness to run the ball saw the visitors score two excellent tries thus taking the lead for the first time. Diss had to respond to this set back and respond they did. Hugo Barrett scoring following excellent approach work from Aaron Firth and Matt Richards. With the score tied at twenty two apiece Diss scored the try of the game with the ball being handled by John Bergin, Callum Roberts, Nick Garnham and second Row Peter Gray before Will Laverne touched down. West Norfolk yet again capitalised on weak defence to score their fourth try of the game. With the scores level yet again Diss drove deep into the West Norfolk twenty-two. A series of penalties and drives close to the line eventually paid off.

Diss Captain, John Bergin, playing his one hundredth game for the first team scored to seal the victory. Thus, ending a splendid game of rugby played in an excellent and full hearted spirit.