Diss 64 : 5 Cantabrigian - 4th March 2017

A totally ruthless and clinical display from the League leaders highlighted yet again that David Smith’s side are now in pole position to achieve an automatic promotion place.

Cantabs posed a real threat in the forwards and immediately attacked from the kick off. A speculative kick found Chris Beaird within his own half. A combination of guile and shere force allowed Beaird to beat three defenders to then find Joe Brock in support. Brock sprinted some 30 metres to give Diss first blood. Cantabs, placed third in the League, Immediately responded with a try themselves scored by Nick Denham, following aggressive driving play through their forwards. Diss now found themselves under extreme pressure, having to defend a series of five metre scrums and close quarter rucks. Led by Warren Wilby and Ali Abercrombie the Diss rear-guard held firm and following intelligent inter play between Giles West and Kami Latu an opportunity arose for Stephen Hipwell to race through to increase the home sides lead, McClure again converting. Throughout the game every time Diss entered the Cantabs half they came away with points.

On 20 minutes, a brilliant individual run from Philip LeLievre completely ripped open the visitors defence, allowing LeLievre to score an outstanding individual try. Three minutes later Chris Beaird crossed the white wash, having supported a clean break from Stephen Hipwell. Cantabs rallied at this stage but outstanding defence at the breakdown from Warren Wilby and Will Hudson relieved the pressure setting up a further LeLievre try, following a beautiful break from Sean McClure. With one minute remaining in the half a clean break from Warren Wilby from within his own half sent Chris Beaird galloping across the Cantabs line from at least 30 metres. A 36-5 lead at half time represented the ruthless nature being exhibited from the home side.

Cantabs responded in a positive fashion following half time and pressurised the Diss line. Yet again the Diss defensive structures held firm. Ali Abercrombie and Matt Richards combining on a number of occasions to turn over crucial ball. As the final quarter approached linking play between LeLievre, West and Wilby sent the Diss Captain, Fraser Hall over the line. With Cantabs tiring and holes appearing all over the field Diss asserted complete control . A further individual try from the outstanding Chris Beaird highlighted the dominance of the league leaders. Beaird crashed through a number of flailing defenders to score from the half way line. As the game concluded a Sean McClure break and chip kick was retrieved by Giles West, who scored the afternoons final try. Conclusive , ruthless and a dominating performance from a side now finding their top form.