NORFOLK U13s CUP: PLATE SEMI-FINAL

Was it the later start? Was it the lure of possible silverware? Whatever it was, the Diss team emerged from the traps with all guns blazing and it wasn’t long before they were on the scoresheet. The ball was zipped along the back line to Toby Drake on the wing. He still had a lot to do but showed terrific pace, outstripping the defence to cross in the corner and run round behind the posts, making Aaron Frith’s conversion a formality (0-7). Shortly afterwards more good handling by the backs released David Thorne on the right and his strong run was only thwarted by a last ditch tackle in the corner. The reprieve was short lived, however, as quick line speed and solid tackling by the Diss backs forced an error and Drake was on hand to pick up and cross beneath the posts for his second try; Frith again converted (0-14).

West Norfolk were very competitive in the scrums and mauls but found the strong running of the Diss players difficult to contain. Some of Sam Burnett’s runs were reminiscent of Billy Vuinopola a day earlier and Jack Elliott and Alex Erhorn were prominent in the loose play. The third Diss try came following another fine run by Burnett. When he was thwarted Dom Bell-Tye set up a maul and, with the rest of the forwards and some of the backs appreciating the position, a magnificent rolling maul took the ball nearly 20m to allow Bell-Tye to touch down; Frith narrowly missed the difficult conversion (0-19).

Diss continued to press. Strong runs by Burnett and Tyler Pursehouse were repelled but Harry Williamson broke through several tackles to score beneath the posts, allowing Frith a comfortable conversion (0-26). The final try of the half came with the final play of the half. Magnificent harassing by Nathan Shaw prevented the West Norfolk player from kicking to touch, causing the ball to run loose. Quick recycling by the forwards allowed Williamson to again burst through for his second try, again converted by Frith (HT 0-33).

With the result in little doubt, it is enormously to West Norfolk’s credit that they emerged with increased intent in the second half. However, it was Diss who extended their lead as Bell-Tye picked up the ball at the scrum and sprinted over in the corner; the touchline conversion was beyond even Frith’s boot (0-38). The game was fairly evenly contested at this point and it took a moment of brilliance by Williamson to extend the Diss lead. Using the two man overlap as a decoy, he kicked ahead. Skilfully judging the angle at which the ball would strike the turf, he ran on to collect his own kick and complete his hat-trick beneath the posts; Frith again converted (0-45).

With tongue firmly removed from cheek, I can report that the final score of the match was a fitting reward for West Norfolk and one which only a few diehard Diss supporters would begrudge. Fine hands and powerful running allowed Ezra Nwobodo to sprint clear in the corner and make the final score 5-45.

Although the winning margin was significant, West Norfolk contributed enormously to a thoroughly entertaining match played in a very good spirit. The Diss team were well led by Bell-Tye and the returning Nathan Shaw put in a fine performance at scrum half. Thorne and Drake in the back line looked particularly dangerous and Jack Largent showed electrifying speed on the wing. Burnett, Pursehouse and Williamson all put in powerful forward runs but it was a back selected as Player of the Day. Aaron Frith’s kicking and distribution were very good but his tackling was exceptional, frequently bringing down players of nearly twice his size with textbook tackles.

Finally, a special mention for a terrific display by the referee. It takes an exceptional performance to earn praise from both sets of supporters, players and coaches alike.

Roll on Holt next Sunday in the Plate final!