Fab win for Diss

Diss recorded a famous 28-20 victory over a Civil Service side that had never before lost to a Norfolk club, with prop Tom Groom scoring a hat-trick of tries in a 28-20 scoreline.

Diss 28, Civil Service 20

Diss recorded a famous victory over a Civil Service side that had never before lost to a Norfolk club, with prop Tom Groom scoring a hat-trick of tries.

From the start it was obvious that this was going to be a clash where both sides were going to be fully committed. Despite starting well, Diss found themselves behind from the 10th minute when winger Tom Sumner scored an unconverted try in the corner. The home side then missed a kickable penalty, awarded when Diss were caught offside.

Diss were continuing to make regular attacks, and gained a penalty of their own when Civil Service were caught not releasing.

This was not converted but Diss were gaining an advantage up front and this was confirmed in the 30th minute when, following a series of rolling mauls that gained good territory, Diss were awarded a five metre penalty for offside.

From the line-out the pack demonstrated their power when prop Groom, ably assisted by second row Ali Butler, scored an unconverted try near the corner.

Service took the lead again after converting a penalty for offside. Diss forced the opposition deep into their own half. Prop Matt Richards pounced on a mistake and gained possession, before passing the ball down the backs line. When the ball reached Andy Thorpe, he was strong enough to beat his opposite number and scored, Chris Beaird converting for a four-point lead.

Service began the second half in determined style and were given a boost when Beaird was adjudged to have come in from the side and received a yellow card.

The resulting penalty was missed by Service, but they took advantage of their superior numbers. Following a five-metre scrum the home side moved the ball swiftly to their winger who scored in the corner, Liam Geraghty converting.

Diss, once restored to full strength, established dominance up front. The home side held out until the Diss pack powered across the line for Groom to score his second try, not converted.

Service immediately conceded a penalty, and scrum-half Pete Chartier kicked the ball into touch deep in opposition territory. After securing good possession, the pack crossed the line, and looked to be held up, but the ball was skilfully recycled to Groom who completed his hat-trick by scoring near the corner, not converted.

Diss increased their lead further when Beaird confidently converted a penalty for offside.

Then Service scored a try to reduce the deficit to just five points.

Beaird converted a penalty and the Diss contingent celebrated a significant win achieved through superb commitment by all.