U13' at Ipswich 7's - great finale to the season

Diss U13s travelled to Ipswich for the Ipswich 7's tournament. Not only was the weather amazing but so was the flawless organisation by Ipswich Rugby Club. With U13's and U15's competing on Saturday morning, followed by 2 other age groups in the afternoon and the same on Sunday the organisers needed to be slick. Full credit and thanks to all who managed the days.

This was the first time the U13's had played 7's so it was a venture into the unknown. With the growing U13 squad there were some hard decisions to take as Coach Johnny could only take a maximum 12 players to ensure all who went got a good run out. Those that did not travel remain valuable assets to the team, and next year we hope to be able to take 2 teams.

The day was full of drama and emotion. On the one hand it was a case of 'what could have been', and on the other it was a great success that resulted in the team's first trophy. The truth is that the boys could have won every match, they were competitive in every encounter, but were often just pipped by one or two scores as their energy and focus dipped. However when they were on their game they were a match for anyone, and in fact had long periods where they dominated every team they played.

The result was that in the pool stage Diss lost 3 matches and won 1, however this was good enough for the boys to be in the 4th place final against Colchester which we were all delighted they won to capture their first trophy.

Ipswich 20 v Diss 10 - the first match against the home team saw Diss score first as Jaden Jonson rounded the Bury defence following a passage of sustained Diss pressure. Bury countered and scored 3 trys of their own from a series of breakaways. The Diss team were playing good team rugby and it paid of with a second score by Jake Wolfe. With seconds remaining and Diss piling on the pressure to tie the match a breakaway by Bury got the winning try and frustrated Diss picking up a bonus point. Overall a hard fought match that could have gone either way.

Sudbury 25 v Diss15 - Sudbury are a new team for Diss and the match had good start with both teams locked together. The deadlock was broken when Jaden Jonson burst down the touchline to score the opening try. Sudbury tied up the game, but then Diss stepped up a level and pressured Sudbury. the result was a Diss try by Kit Brodie followed by another from Jake Woolfe with a truly impressive turn of pace and strength. Unfortunately Diss were a different team after the halftime break and the replacements could just not get together as a team. Regrettably this allowed Sudbury to run in 4 unanswered trys to win. It was a hard pill to take as again it felt the boys had the tools to have won this game.

Mistley 20 v Diss 25 - The third game saw the boys win, and win well. The scoreline one felt flattered the opposition who scored 2 late trys, and also scored first. The Diss team had an intensity across the game that was a sight to behold, they wanted this win and made it happen. The trys were scored by Charlie North, Stephen Chaoldson, Kit Brodie, Jaden Jonson. Each was a great example of 7's rugby - good passing, strength in breaking tackles, power running and a desire to compete. The boys rightly came off tired, but buzzing.

Bury 20 v Diss 10 - another frustrating result, that so nearly could have been reversed. Diss were one try down immediately from the kick off, then were held in check by a robust Bury team. A second try from Bury was swiftly followed by a third. 15:0 down the Diss team started find their mojo and were rewarded by a try from Kit Brodie. After half time Jaden Jonson broke free and scored a second 15:10. The direction of play was all Diss, but the clock was against us. It felt like Diss would grab another try to tie the match, but hearts were broken when a Bury breakaway resulted in a final try that again denied Diss an extra bonus point. A tough result to take and again not reflective of how close the contest was.

Final (Bowl Trophy) Colchester 5 v Diss 20 - With the pool results Diss were placed into the 4th place final for the Bowl trophy against Colchester. From the kick off Diss had the worst start with Colchester scoring straight away. But the spirit the boys have shown over the season came to the fore - never give up. And so it was, probably the most exciting and energising match of the day (from the Diss perspective !!). The supporters, both Diss parents and others roared on their team. The boys responded and it was all Diss, with 4 trys from Charlie North, Kit Brodie, Jaden Jonson. The result a well deserved victory and trophy winners.

The day was fun from start to finish. It showed on the faces of the boys and the parents who all had huge smiles (on some pink faces where no sun screen was applied !!). The team came together as a unit, and with 12 players changing every half it required everyone to step up and play. They all did that. This report has mentioned the try scorers, but the trys were made by the team who provided the assists. Key points to draw out were the passing which has improved so much (let's hope this remains the case as the boys enter 15 a side). The rucking was great as was tackling across the team. Most of all was the intensity. One could see that this team wanted to win. The only gap is the experience one felt the other teams had, but let it be noted, the gap is closing and Diss are here.

Johnny named Kit Brodie as the 'man of the tournament', but with 12 outstanding displays this was a hard call to make. Also one could not forget that it was Santo's birthday on the same day. How fitting that 'Mr Rugby' gets to have his special day playing rugby, and he played really well all day, particularly marshalling the team

And so the playing season ends, and does so on a high. We hope there will be some training to keep the boys skills developing and also to keep fitness up. Equally we could do with some more players as there will inevitably be some lapses, including Inego who I understand will be returning to Spain for next season. He has been a joy in the team, has had some great games a full back and will always be welcome back to come and join his 'rugby mates' in Diss.

Thanks to all the parents. Please have a look at the photos as I have some cracking ones of a run by Conor with all of you screaming your lungs out in the background. It is a great image and sums up both the day and the season in one image. Thanks.

See you next week at the U13's end of season fun day at Thorpe Woodlands.