Diss 14 : 13 Tring

The game started with the home side having the best of the early exchanges, with the pack making headway with the rolling maul. The game was interrupted by handling errors and penalties. Pete Chartier kicked 2 penalties to touch, with the pack rolling and crossing the Tring line twice, but both times the ball adjudged to have been held up. From one of their first attack Tring were awarded a penalty, from which Tring's No 15 T.Newton scored an easy 3 points.

After 30 minutes, the Tring No5 was yellowed carded for stamping on Richard Horne, leading to a period of pressure by the Diss scrum and after a catch and drive by the Diss pack, the ball was grounded in the corner by Richard Horne. The conversion was kicked by Adam Williamson, with the score 7-3 at the interval.

The 2nd half started with both sides probing in midfield, with solid tackling by Diss nullifying the pace of the Tring back line. Quick handling from the base of the ruck, allowed Tring to break the line, with G Brigginshaw scoring the try, successfully converted.

Another infringement on the ground led to a penalty kick by T.Newton, but he missed another soon after.

After a turnover at the scrum by Deaglan Hall on the Tring 5 metre line, Diss were awarded a penalty and a quick tap and drive by Tim Groom led to a try and a huge cheer from the anxious crowd. Adam Williamson again converted.

Precautionary substitutions to Chris Howard, Deaglan Hall, Ricky Holt, let Josh Williams, Will Farrer and John Llewellyn play the last 15 minutes.

In the last 10 minutes Tring pressed and had two kickable penalties that would have given them the win, but both were missed, leaving Diss the winners by 14-13, with the crowd both pleased with the result and relieved at the win.

This match was a stern test for the team and coaching staff, who all realise that our fitness, abilities and mental strength will be tested hard over this season.