Diss 1st XV 26 v 10 Rochford 100 1st XV

As always at this time of the year conditions were perfect for a game of rugby, alas, all that mattered in the end was that Diss won. This was not a pretty game or a game for the purists, it was a game of what could have been, accentuated by both teams making basic errors in handling and in the loose play. The first fifteen minutes of play was exceptional only for the number of errors committed by both sides, and a try scored by Rochford after four minutes, which was converted. With a reputation developing as a running side, Diss clearly had a point to prove, and with some incisive running from Deaglan Hall and James Gowing in support, Diss began to brighten the proceedings and after forty minutes of unexciting plat scored their first try. Chris Beaird, taking the ball from Gowing on the half way line, showed a deceptive turn of pace, to sprint past two defenders, scoring in the corner. However within minutes Rochford improved their lead with a well taken penalty, to bring the first half to an underwhelming end.
Phil Sharpe did not look a happy man on the way to the changing room, and clearly his half time pep talk had some effect on the players. Diss began the half marginally more energised and attacked the Rochford pack with a little more aggression, but as in the first half Diss and Rochford's running game was brought to an end by the number of times the referee stopped play, halting the ebb and flow of the game. The second try of the match showed why Diss merited this victory, showing persistence and tenacity Fraser Hall, braking through a number of tackles kicked the ball forward for Aaron Bliss to chase, with a lovely passing movement was able to pass it inside for Will Farrar to lunge over the try line. This was a defining moment in the game, as it galvanised both sides, mistakes started to disappear, both sides started to open up. Diss however proved to be the better team on the counterattack, with Rochford often kicking away their possession, Diss were able to open up the Rochford defence. Beaird taking the ball to the opposition, supported by Abbercrombie and Deacon, a second row combination that is going from strength to strength, made the ball available for Holt to spin the ball out to Zac Seward. Fraser Hall taking a superb line from centre broke through the defence to score under the posts, Beaird converting. With confidence returning, Diss now never looked like losing, and with Andrew Horne ignoring earlier irritations, grabbed the ball from the base of a scrum, a surprising turn of speed caught the Rochford defence by surprise. Rickie Holt in support, took the ball further for Bliss to spin the ball out for the ever improving Giles West to score in the corner Beaird converting. Not the prettiest of wins, nevertheless Diss will be pleased with the points, and with Thurrock returning to Mackenders next weekend, the coaching staff led by Phil Sharpe will have their work cut out.

Arthur Gittins