Diss U11 rugby side were invited to play in the Branderston School Invitational Tournament.This involved games against the hosts and two other invited teams in a four-way competition.

Diss U11 rugby side were invited to play in the Branderston School Invitational Tournament.

This involved games against the hosts and two other invited teams in a four-way competition.

As it was the school open day and the school are proud of their sporting reputation (ex England international Roger Utley is rugby coach) this was always going to be a stern test.

With two wins and one defeat it was a very satisfactory result in the end, with second place in a tournament in the company of some very capable teams.

On another day Diss would have won but the future looks bright for this year.

The introduction to the 12 man game will bring new challenges but the lads are now bonding well and beginning to play for each other.

With players like Finlay Brett and Sam Richards now strongly challenging for top team places, after blinding performances in these matches, the coaches will have their work cut out to pick a team Special thanks should go to the coaching team of Roger Carter, Sooty Smith, Simon Burridge and new man (young blood) Chris Jones who are determined to build on past success to make this a bumper season.

Woodbridge 7, Diss 0

A slow start from Diss saw them lose this tight game, which they could and indeed should have won. The second half performance was much better than the first and several of the players have improved significantly over the summer break. John Joe Smith appeared to score an equalising try at the death but, after considerable deliberation by the ref, it was judged to have been dropped on the line.

Diss 42, Southwold 5

This was more like it from Diss. An excellent performance all round with everybody who attended the tournament playing. Joe Hegarty was back to business as usual, with several runs against the opposition defence at good angles but his performance was noticeable only as the best of many strong showings. The pack was very powerful and totally dominated the set piece, giving the backs a good platform to work from. Tries were scored by Hegarty (4), Campbell Young and Tom Storey and all were converted, Young and Tom Goodge getting three each.

Diss 7, Branderston 0

This was the one Diss came for. The hosts had drawn with Woodbridge and were hungry for a scalp. In a tight first half against a strong head-wind Diss played well and looked close to scoring on several occasions. In the second half it all came together and Angus McDaniel scored a superb try after running through five of the opposition. Branderston did not give up easily however and were determined to even the score. Good defence ensured the end of that particular ambition however, Daniel Baxter and Luke Burridge excelling in this aspect of the game.