The Martin Sands Memorial Match

..keen to show their respects for the local rugby legend who had so tragically passed away just two months earlier. The game was preceded by a minute’s silence involving all four teams having been led out by Kayleigh and Alfie Sands wearing Thetford and Diss shirts, this set the tone for an afternoon that will live long in the memory of all those who attended.

Alfie Sands kicked the game off in an emotionally charged encounter where both Thetford and Diss played with the heart and passion that Martin Sands showed whenever he took to the field. From the start Thetford showed great determination and commitment putting their bodies on the line and tackling themselves to a standstill. Unfortunately they came up against an experienced Saracens team playing some of their best rugby of the season who kept the ball in hand whenever possible and eventually created space to score.

The tries came at regular intervals although often the Saracens had to go through many phases of play to break the Thetford resilience. Front rowers Baz Teare and Ritchie Horne both scorched over from long range, Ted Wishart scored twice, Oli Taylor, Mat Bailey, Alan Goymour, Joe Seaman, Adam Rogers, James Nichols and Petey Charterrier completed the scoring with Seb Goodge adding the conversions. In the other match Diss 3/4s beat Thetford 2s 50-5 in another entertaining encounter.

Clare Sands presented the new trophy to the Diss team concluding an afternoon that will continue annually in remembrance of a great man of rugby.

Report by Seb Goodge