Match Report v Colchester RFC

With ten minutes remaining in this hard fought and free flowing game, Diss found themselves in striking distance of the home side and would have at least expected a bonus point for their endeavours. Colchester possess a very talented three quarter line and took advantage of a tiring Diss defence to score three decisive tries as the game came to its conclusion. Colchester hit the ground running scoring a converted try after only two minutes of play. Moving the ball wide at every opportunity, Colchester intended to stretch the Diss defence with a brand of pace and slick handling skills.

Diss responded superbly to this threat and soon settled into a solid pattern of defence and resolution. Diss began to drive the ball deeper into the Colchester half establishing a foot hold in the game. The Diss forwards were certainly more than a match for the Colchester eight with Stephen Hipwell, John Laurie and John Bergin all making valuable ground in an effort to establish parity. Poor Diss tackling allowed Colchester a second converted try as the last ten minutes of the half approached. The visitors then responded magnificently with a series of close quarter drives that sent John Laurie over the line to bring Diss back into the game. Diss immediately attacked on the stroke of half time with Todd Wishart seemingly scoring close to the Colchester posts. The try was unfortunately disallowed. Colchester then seized possession and moved the ball swiftly through their back division to score on the half time whistle. Diss entered half time 19-7 down rather than being all square at the interval.

Colchester attacked from the restart and yet again Diss were forced to defend very much on the back foot. An admirable level of composure and leadership from the Diss senior players thwarted the Colchester onslaught. An interception from Kieran Pask at last allowed Diss to attack from within the Colchester half. Chris Beaird, now moved to scrum half was instrumental in driving close to the Colchester line. Support from John Laurie, Stephen Hipwell and Matt Richards eventually sent Todd Wishart over the line. Kieran Pask converted to give Diss the opportunity to not only secure a bonus point but also challenge for victory. The most defining difference between the sides was without doubt pace. Colchester were able in the last ten minutes to release their back division who scored three absolutely outstanding tries to seal a deserved home win. Diss will have taken a huge amount from the game that will benefit the side for future battles.