Diss edged out Norwich to book their place in the Norfolk Cup final in a pulsating game that the visitors looked in control of at half-time before Norwich hit back.

Eastern Daily Press: Dave Micklethwaite on the ball for Norwich against Diss at Beeston Hyrne. Picture: Andy MicklethwaiteDave Micklethwaite on the ball for Norwich against Diss at Beeston Hyrne. Picture: Andy Micklethwaite (Image: Archant)

The visitors opened the scoring following a penalty on 15 minutes. Diss camped on the Norwich line and with their significant weight advantage they disrupted a Norwich five-metre scrum and from the resulting ruck Tim Groom powered over to give the visitors the lead.

Six minutes later, following some excellent running by Richie Rhodes and Michael Campton-Smith, the home side were awarded a penalty which Ben Girling kicked to take the score to 3-5.

Diss then slickly moved the ball wide after a Norwich attack had broken down, allowing James Scott to break through to score near the posts, giving Jack Keppel an easy conversion.

With minutes to go in the first half, and following a stolen Norwich lineout, Peter Bray scored near the right-hand corner and although the conversion was missed Diss ended the half with a 3-17 lead.

Within eight minutes of restart Norwich reduced the deficit following a try from Campton-Smith which Girling converted.

Seven minutes later Carter scored under the posts for Diss to extend their lead, but almost immediately an interception by Campton-Smith led to his second try, which reduced the deficit to nine points.

Five minutes later Norwich prop Pip Scott was sent to the sin bin but the Norwich defence held out for the full 10 minutes.

Within a minute of Scott returning, and Diss forward Jacob Page being sent to the sin bin, a flowing backs move resulted in Callum Macaulay scoring for Norwich in the left hand corner, taking the score to 20-24. The conversion was missed.

With the advantage of one extra player Norwich piled on the pressure but a stout Diss defence kept them at bay.