Diss Cricket Club’s first team still taking season ‘game by game’ after positive start

Despite enjoying a positive first half of the season, expectations have not changed for Diss Cricket Club’s first team.

Saturday’s 19-run home victory at the expense of Downham Stow has kept Mark Brawn’s side second in the Norfolk Cricket Alliance Division One standings, five points adrift of table-topping Hethersett & Tas-Valley.

That win was the seventh that Diss have registered this term, far surpassing the total of four that they recorded across the whole of 2024.

However, Brawn has insisted that the message to the squad remains the same as it did before a ball had been bowled.

“It’s still game by game,” said the skipper. “We’ve probably exceeded expectations a little bit.

“It’s still very much the same message as week one and that’s to make sure we keep enjoying our cricket.

“There’s no added or changed expectations. We’ll keep trying to produce what we have done so far this season and then see where it takes us.”

Brawn has attributed much of the ongoing good form to his side’s ability to come out on top in the closely-fought contests.

Of their seven victories this season, three have been by a single-figure margin of runs.

The captain added: “We’ve had some close games that have gone down to the last over.

“When you’re able to get on the right side of those early on in a season, that makes a big difference.

“If you lose those games then morale takes a hit, but instead we have a real belief in those situations now that we can come out on top.

“Talent-wise the team is the strongest it has been for a number of years and I’m really pleased the boys are showing that, especially at key moments.”

Tomorrow, Diss will aim to keep up the pressure on the leaders when they travel to face bottom-of-the-table Dereham (12pm).

But despite their opposition’s lowly position, Brawn has stressed the need to take nothing for granted.

“It’s a bit of a cliche but there really are no easy games,” he said. “Dereham have made a few signings recently and they’ve definitely strengthened their squad.

“Nobody is down and out in this league there are no whipping boys. Every game throws up challenges and we’re going to need to be at our best.”