Woodbridge 7 trys vs Diss 7 trys

Diss U13’s were away to Woodbridge on Sunday 3rd 2017. The match proved to be a great test of resilience and showed the boys have the heart to keep on trying to the last second.

The match started with an early breakaway try by Woodbridge, however Diss soon levelled through some strong teamwork, including an impressive drive from new recruit Liam in his first game, and a final push and try by Santos. At this point it felt like Diss would start to move through the gears and had the beating of the opposition …..if only they could get their game together.

Alas this was not the case as the Woodbridge team showed some really strong, impressive tackling and were strong in the rucks winning a number of turnover balls. The result was Woodbridge ran in another 6 trys !!!. A sobring lesson for the team and reflects a need to be strong in the rucks (normally something the team do well) and to pass down the line and play to strengths. In this period of play Diss scored one try as Charlie burst through in a powerful run to the line.

With a scoreline of 7 trys to 2 and only 10 minutes to play it looked like Diss were only going to come away with a ‘bucket of frustration’. However coach Johnny kept the faith and said ‘we can win this’. The key was to stop trying individual runs through the middle and to pass the ball down the line bringing our ‘speed merchants’ into play.

With time running out a change started to happen. First the ball was won in a ruck, passed down the line and Jayden was able to open his legs and went around the defence for a try (7-3). With more ball getting to the backs the game opened up allowing Charlie to run through for a opportune try (7-4). This was followed by a good counter play that led to a ‘forwards try’ - working as a pack (Jake, Liam, Connor, Morgan) with Charlie finishing off (7-5). With the clock ticking down the Diss boys pushed forward, sensing they had the upper hand and knowing the match was closing. Playing in the Woodbridge half the opposition resorted to kicking to relieve pressure, but the Diss boys retrieved the ball and came straight back. The pressure told as great distribution by the team allowed Jayden to run free going around the forlorn Woodbridge defence to score in the corner (7-6). With 2 minutes remain to it was 'all or nothing'. The Diss boys roared each other on to a thrilling final push - Woodbridge kicking, Diss pushing back. And then with the final play of the game Jayden again burst free to score and level the match (7-7). What a comeback and credit to the boys.

A jubilant team left the pitch proud of their efforts. There are lessons to pick up on that Johnny and Mark will do in training - notably strength in rucks, passing down the line and solid tackling. The comment that summed up the transformation came from Mark “look what you can do when you play 13 man rugby not 1 man rugby”. There is the take away.

Some notable mentions from a team where everyone stood up tall. Man of the match was Connor who was all over the pitch disrupting play and imposing himself with his trademark awesome tackles. Stephen was also everywhere and received a notable mention as did Jayden for ‘tackle of the match’ and great running with the ball. Every member of the team played hard and was is an integral part of what we hope becomes the Diss U13 ’13 man rugby’ norm.