Diss 68 : 15 Holt - Harrison Cup - 15th April 2017

With the Norfolk Cup final still to play, Diss completed three undefeated seasons at Mackenders

With the Norfolk Cup final still to play, Diss completed three undefeated seasons at Mackenders with a comprehensive victory against local rivals Holt. The traditional Harrison Cup game, played between two great Norfolk Clubs, epitomised all that is good with specific reference to the grass roots structure of the Club game. Holt have experienced a difficult season in contrast to the barnstorming performances of the Mackenders outfit. Diss did not field a full strength First XV, blooding a large proportion of Colts, who will have benefited from playing alongside a number of experienced regular First team players.

Holt took an early lead from a Diss infringement at the breakdown. Early exchanges were very even with the score after the first quarter being 12-10 to Diss. Complete control was soon established by the home side with the forward exchanges being dominated by Stephen Hipwell, Jo Brock, Matt Richards and Captain Fraser Hall. A dominant tight scrummage also exerted extreme pressure on the Holt eight, thus placing the visitors consistently on the back foot. In the Diss three quarters Sean McClure, Alex Leader and Chris Beaird consistently posed an attacking threat. Holt held out until the half time break but the demands of constant defensive duties and extreme Diss pressure allowed the home side to score at regular intervals, with Sean McClure converting at regular intervals. Final score Diss RFC 68 Holt RFC 15

Dave Smith, Diss coached commented " Today was a fitting conclusion to one of the most successful seasons in the Clubs history. The icing on the cake would certainly be a triumph in the Norfolk Cup final against North Walsham on Saturday 6th May."