Match Report v Eton Manor RFC

Diss and Eton Manor produced a game of untold excitement and entertainment that highlighted both sides ability to attack on the front foot, whilst exhibiting true weaknesses in defence. Both sides had scored converted tries within the first two minutes before the game had settled into any sort of pattern. Stephen Hipwell broke from halfway to feed John Laurie, who raced over to respond to Manor’s earlier success. Diss now controlled possession and strung together a series of attacking options setting up another platform close to the visitors twenty two. Hipwell took advantage of a well worked lineout to charge over to give the home side a well -deserved lead. The leaky Diss defence soon returned allowing Manor to cut through at least four tackles to tie the score at 14 apiece. Manor then capitalised on a Diss infringement at the breakdown to increase their lead by three points. On 20 minutes a sublime pass from Tim Groom sent John Laurie over for his second try to restore the home sides lead. The game imploded on two fronts during the last five minutes of the half. Following an incident on the touchline an Eton Manor player was red carded, whilst Ed Hudson spent a brief period in the sin bin. Three tries were then scored as defensive structures completely collapsed. Manor capitalised first breaking through following poor ball retention. Diss then scored a beautifully constructed try through rapid movement of the ball out wide that eventually released Freddie Precious to score. On the stroke of half time Manor yet again seized on the home sides inability to retain possession from the kick off to lead 31-24 at the interval.
Diss had a numerical advantage but unfortunately failed badly to capitalise thus allowing Eton Manor to dominate proceedings throughout the third quarter. Ironically the Diss forwards had the upper hand but a combination of naivety and poor execution allowed Eton Manor to secure a converted try and three well struck penalties. Diss did respond with a ferocious drive close to the Manor line to eventually be awarded a deserved penalty try. With Diss some sixteen points adrift with ten minutes to go, Stephen Hipwell brought life back into the game scoring a vital try that gave the home side a chance of a second bonus point. Sustained pressure from the entire side eventually released Todd Wishart , who finished superbly. Jack Peacock stepped up to convert thus ending a pulsating game where the losing side scored seven tries. However, ultimately defensive frailties proved the home sides nemesis in a game that Diss were more than capable of winning.