Diss 46 : 17 Woodford - 19th November 2016

A sublime, cohesive and well- structured performance propelled Diss back to top spot in the League. Playing at a pace that Woodford found very demanding as well as launching their powerful ball carriers deep into the opposition half immediately placed the home side on the front foot.

Steve Hipwell dominated proceedings from start to finish. Scoring on five minutes following a determined break through the midfield. Sean McClure converted and stepped up five minutes later to secure a further three points following a Woodford infringement at the breakdown. Woodford replied towards the end of the first quarter with a penalty of their own.This certainly rallied the visitors who scored a try of their own following clean line out retention and poor Diss defence at close quarters.

With the scores matched at ten a piece, Diss now stepped up the pace and continuity levels with Steve Hipwell charging through yet again to score a superb individuall try, again converted by Sean McClure. Diss now applied total pressure and following early ball off the top of a line-out a well -crafted move recently developed on the training ground saw Freddie Precious jink his way over to score and take the home side into a 22-10 lead at half time.
In recent weeks Diss have fallen off the game in the second half allowing the opposition momentum. Not this week. Diss placed themselves firmly on the front foot and following inter-passing between forwards and backs alike, Stephen Hipwell was able to send Phillip LeLeivre in at the corner. A superb conversion from McClure increased the lead further and secured a four try bonus point. Woodford rallied at this point but stout defence from the home side relieved the pressure and following an intelligent kick through from Sean McClure, Giles West raced through to secure the ball to score a further try thus putting the game beyond the visitors. An ill disciplined malaise now affected the dominant Diss side. Woodford responded to this by scoring their second converted try, reducing the deficit to eighteen points. This fortunately inspired the entire Diss team, with Kami Latu, John Laurie, Michael Fuller and Matt Richards all taking a hold and driving deep into the opposition defensive line time and again. With minutes remaining Phillip LeLievre scored two beautiful tries both crafted by accurate handling and the correct choice of direct lines of running. Thus ended a competent, decisive and thoroughly deserved home win for the League leaders.

Report by Paul Cochrane