Diss Fortify Fourth Place

Diss 1st XV 43 v 17 Braintree 1st XV

With the season now coming to an end, Diss coach Phil Sharpe is taking the opportunity to vary the game plan, by swapping player positions, trying out different attacking lines but primarily still encouraging Diss to attack with flair.

After the previous weeks trouncing by Bury St Edmunds, Braintree were in no mood to accommodate any of Phil Sharpes intentions, and began the game against Diss with with a concerted effort, particularly in the way they counter attacked.

Diss with their usual insouciant attitude at the beginning of a game, soon found themselves behind, Braintree pushing over for a try after being awarded a penalty for Diss holding on to the ball. With their confidence returning Braintree soon began to exert some pressure on the Diss defence, but with some good tackling from Peacock, Bliss, Holt and Winslett, Diss managed to contain the Braintree attack.

As in so many games this season, and with fifteen minutes gone, Diss finally awoke from their slumber and started to move up a gear, in the forwards, Crotty, Abercrombie and Groom proving to be particular thorns in the Braintree side. After some fine forward play near the Braintree try line Deaglan Hall was able to reach over and score his first try of the game, Beaird converting.

With further good work from Groom and Craven, Diss were beginning to dominate the Braintree pack in the loose, allowing Chartier time for Seward to set up attacking options. Beaird and Holt continuing to burst throught the centre caused Braintree some consternation, and from one such attack Beaird was able to shake off two tackles to score under the posts, later converting his try.

Given the conditions Diss were still not taking advantage of the wind, and should have been able to capitalise on mistakes made by Braintree, this was not to be until Hall went over for his second try minutes before the second half whistle. An unsatisfactory half in many ways, which was picked up by the home supporters and the merry band of Diss followers.

The fans misgivings were soon forgotten as Diss started the second half much brighter and sharper, and within minutes of the kick off Bray was able to push over to score, after some fine interplay between forwards and backs which allowed Diss to create a platform of attack on the Braintree five metre line. Not to be outdone and with play that did not reflect their position in the league, Braintree counterattacked repeatedly until eventually they were able to score under the posts after a controversial penalty against Diss for handling in the ruck.

Within minutes of the kick off Braintree once again scored with a breakaway try which caught everyone by surprise including the home supporters. But Diss are no mugs, and with a league position that shows they can play rugby, soon began to exert their experience, responding with pace and aggression that had the home team on the back foot for the remainder of the game. With Deaglan Hall once again scoring with a stretch over try, Diss were beginning to enjoy their dominance, passing the ball with fluidity and pace, and this pace was evident in the try by Wilby after good play from Fly half Seward, Beaird converting.

The game was brought to an end by Deaglan Hall scoring his double brace, Beaird converting. With a Norfolk cup final on the horizon Phil Sharpe will take note of lessons learned in this game.

Arthur Gittins