Champions Diss showed no mercy on an understrength Norwich side, cruising to a comfortable win at Beeston Hyrne.

This always looked like being a difficult match for the hosts, with six of their regular first XV unavailable, and so it proved, particularly as Diss had the benefit of a stiff breeze behind them in the first half.

Early exchanges highlighted the eagerness of the league's top side to play an expansive game, while controlling all facets of phase one possession.

John Laurie opened the scoring following a neat break from Alex Leader before Chris Beaird broke through to establish total control after just 10 minutes.

One area of absolute dominance for Diss proved to be the scrummage, evidenced by a rock solid platform five metres from the line that allowed Stephen Hipwell the opportunity to crash over to extend the visitors' lead to 19-0.

Diss then constructed a try that originated deep in their own half. A break from Hipwell sent Jamie Burroughs through the heart of the Norwich midfield, allowing captain Fraser Hall the opportunity of scoring.

A neat chip and chase from Beaird created a second try for the full back and as the half-time whistle approached two forward dominated tries were scored, one a push-over secured by Hipwell and the other a driving scrummage with possession taken against the head and scored by John Bergin to make it 0-45.

Despite the wind dropping during the interval Norwich started the second half with great enthusiasm and Ryan Bigland scored what proved to be their only try after two minutes. Theo Elliott was unable to kick the conversion from wide out.

Norwich were unable to sustain their effort throughout the second half however and despite patches of home dominance Diss scored further converted tries in 10 minute intervals, with Hipwell getting the first and the third while Phil Lelievre and Todd Wishart got the other two.

Norwich know they were outclassed on the day but to their credit they never gave up and even in the closing minutes were still launching attacks in their opponents' half. They can be very proud of the spirit the team displayed.