Diss 5 v 30 Ipswich Gold (Nick 4, Aston2)

Arriving at Diss today and looking at the pitches from the carpark, we knew it was going to be a difficult encounter purely because of the conditions. The display the boys put on was outstanding and given the conditions to have handling errors totalling the fingers on one hand over 50 minutes of rugby was very pleasing. It was a brilliant game of rugby and thank you to Diss for their hospitality and for getting the game on. Much appreciated.

To a man we were very good today. Our forward pack dominated at the set piece throughout and allowed us to control the tempo of the game for long periods and we played phased rugby which was lovely to see. It's worth mentioning Diss and their defence on their own try line. A number of times they held us up or drove us into touch which was great to see. It made us really think about how to go about breaking their line which we did do but we were forced to play heads up rugby and for me that was a watershed moment today. Well done lads!

Star Men

Nick and Aston playing in the centres scored all our tries today and they both showed super strength and strong running to get over the line as they did. It was much more than just a two man show though as I have said.

Sam T, Bill and Robert were a cracking front three. They hit everything that moved and then some. They made great carries and rucked ferociously throughout. Our back three of Fred H, Logan, Leo and then Will R on for Logan at half time with Leo moving to 5 was just as effective and hardworking. The body positions at rucks were good and they kept phases rolling and the ball moving.

Mo was industrious at 9 from the get go and as always, keen to test and attack the opposition. Seth showed intelligence, always taking the ball to the line and trying to set someone away. Ben made a phenomenal tackle in the first half that set the tone for us, Joe F was full of running and showed great pace and strength all morning, always wanting to be on the ball and Ethan marshalled the line well from full back and made some good breaks when he had ball in hand. Harvey came on for Mo at half time at 9 and was very good, getting quick ball away and making intelligent runs himself and AJ made a monster tackle out on the left wing in the second half that stopped a certain try.

MoM goes to Nick though for his four tries. Very strong running with a very decent knee lift is a tremendous attribute for a big centre. If we can straighten those lines up and run more at the inside shoulder he and also Aston will be very difficult to stop.

So very well done today boys, you did yourselves as a group, the club, your families and Mum's on Mothers Day and myself, Alex and the rest of the back room team proud. Let's keep the standard as high as that between now and the end of the season and really build.

Next week

Beccles away. Get to training, don't be late.