Diss RFC 22 v Amersham and Chiltern RFC 22

Match Report

Diss produced a performance that yet again highlighted the fact that when playing at their best they can compete with the most accomplished sides in the League. Throughout the first thirty minutes Diss played with a determination and continuity not seen for many weeks. From the outset the home side strung together a series of sweeping attacks that culminated in Connor McBryde scoring a deserved and confidence boosting try. Barnaby Chenery stepped up to convert. Retention of possession from the kick -off proved to be decisive with Ali Abercrombie claiming possession time after time to give Diss the opportunity to maintain a more efficient exit strategy.

Chris Beaird had a wonderful game in defence and attack not taking a backward step in any form. With twelve minutes played Alex Leader broke through to set up a series of forward drives that allowed the ball to be taken around the corner that set up a Matt Richards try. Barnaby Chenery converted yet again to give the home side a clear lead.

The Diss forwards were in an unforgiving mood with Stephen Hipwell, John Bergin, Jon Trede and Ali Abercrombie all very much to the fore. This authority allowed the Diss three- quarters to express themselves with the ball in hand. A series of attacking and flowing movements orchestrated by Warren Wilby and Fraser Hall sent Isaiah Hooper over to give the home side a nineteen point lead with the half approaching its conclusion. Amersham entered the Diss twenty two for the first time in the game and came away with a beautifully constructed try of their own by moving the ball at pace wide to the wings. A wonderful half for Diss, although the visitors late try indicated that Amersham were still very much in the contest.

Early Diss pressure in the second half proved a false dawn. Possession was lost far too easily allowing the Amersham three quarters the opportunity to attack from deep within their own half. Poor alignment and execution in defence meant that Amersham scored a second try, thus reducing the deficit to five points. Amersham now enjoyed a period of dominance. Controlling the ball at the breakdown and threatening whenever in possession. A third Amersham try on fifty five minutes drew the scores level with the visitors beginning to dictate the patterns of play.

One difference this week compared to recent performances proved to be the resilience shown by the entire Diss side. Errors began to impact for both sides as the game drew to its conclusion. Barnaby Chenery slotted a further penalty to give the home side the advantage once more. Amersham responded almost immediately to bring the scores level again. Both sides now fought tooth and nail for that crucial winning score.

Diss however found themselves hanging on for dear life and were certainly happy to hear the final whistle. A wonderful competitive game ended with honours even.