Diss and Wymondham bow out with pride intact

Norfolk's two flag-bearers in the Prima Tiger Cup were both edged out in the quarter-finals after a day to remember at Leicester.

Diss and Wymondham Under-10s had the chance to show what they could do in front of a Welford Road crowd of over 21,000 as their games were staged as a curtain-raiser to the Tigers' Heineken Cup match against Italian club Viadana.

Diss, the 2005 Prima Tiger Cup winners, were edged out 1-0 by Market Harborough while Wymondham were beaten 2-1 by 2008 winners Nottingham.

And both coaches were justifiably proud of their young charges - as well as convinced that they will all feel the benefit for some time to come.

Diss coach Richard Watson said: 'The experience has been brilliant for them. They will keep it with them. For any player who can come to a great club like Leicester Tigers and play on the pitch like this, it can only be good for them. They're a great bunch and it was a pleasure to be with them.'

Wymondham Under-10s coach Rob Poole said: 'I am so proud of the squad, they played fantastically well. We came up against an excellent Nottingham side and it was a great advert for minis rugby. They have enjoyed playing on the same pitch as international players. We are grateful to the parents and supporters who came and made it a wonderful day for the children.'

The Prima Tiger Cup is open to under-10s teams from across the country with more than 50 clubs entering this season.

Scott Clarke, Tigers community manager, said: 'Congratulations to everyone. There was some excellent rugby played in the right spirit and everyone should feel proud of their achievements.'

Market Harborough and Nottingham joined Silhillians and Wolverhampton in the semi-finals, to be played at Welford Road before Tigers take on Gloucester in the Guinness Premiership on Saturday, February 20.