Diss 3rds 25 Norwich 2nds 12

Diss showed heart in defeat at Holt last week but a bludgeoning performance from their number eight made the difference this week to beat the league leaders four tries to two. Anyone who assumed Diss would slip back into the chasing pack this winter is forgetting what made the thirds champions and cup winners last May. Whether it be a grey Saturday in Holt or a blazing summer's afternoon at Belrope Lane Benny Goodman's squad pride themselves on being men for all seasons and here was another good example. Last season's triumphs, if anything, has given them extra impetus. Norwich arrived having beaten all before them apart from a draw with the thirds first up and the result came back to haunt them as Diss enjoyed a five point bonus win over the league leaders. They welcomed back Steve Macqueen at number ten and Adam Williamson returned to familiar surroundings at inside centre and Chris Trede managed to remind himself he plays rugby on a Saturday afternoon. Captain Goodman moved to wing where he belongs and the backs were set. Jack Owen, who was to be the player that broke the back of Norwich, joined an exceptional front row containing Stu Popplewell and Dan Goodson and the rest of the pack was itself from former games. The first half was a battle of attrition but little scoring with both teams scoring a try and having a man sent to the bin. Alexander got the Diss score with a powerful run out wide to reply to the Norwich early score and the half finished 7-7. The game came to life in the second half as Diss turned in the performance of the day by scoring three further tries plus a conversion and a penalty. Tom Clancy new to surroundings at the club found himself in space on the wing and scored to put Diss in front and a further penalty helped the lead. Norwich came back into the game with another try of their own to bring the scores close but a penalty took Diss further away slotted by the bloodied Naz Girgin. Diss maintained the pressure with the move of the day which ended with hooker Jack Owen going over out wide to kill Norwich off and the scoring was finished with Alexander going over for his second of the match. It was still not enough for Alexander to win man of the match as the Adnams Prosecco went to Popplewell for his tireless effort all game from loosehead. Diss look forward to the welcome Christmas break and finish the remarkable 2017 with a massive win that puts them in the top four of the league with a game in hand to play. Merry Christmas all and a happy new year.