Diss RFC 10 Southend Saxons 52

Match Report

Diss succumbed to yet another home defeat and now find themselves isolated in the bottom three. Diss started brightly, driving back the Saxons forwards at the first scrummage and moving the ball with confidence. Southend however secured an attacking position in the Diss twenty two, driving off a retreating scrummage to release Tom Banks into the corner. James Stalley stepped up to convert from a very acute angle.
On two separate occasions, Chris Beaird made try saving tackles that kept the home side in the game for at least fifteen minutes. Throughout the second quarter of the game Diss disappeared defensively and structurally, allowing Southend total freedom when in possession. Southend scoring three further tries through James Stalley, Tom Banks and Peter Wagstaff. Southend played attractive attacking rugby that stretched the Diss defence across all areas of the field. On twenty eight minutes Diss finally structured together a series of attacking drives within the Southend twenty two. A typical Chris Beaird thrust set up Cutu Serruys in the corner to give the home side a positive moment prior to half time.
Diss attacked from the outset following the half time break and should have been rewarded on the score board. Andre Dunn and Warren Wilby looked dangerous in the centre but found themselves starved of quality ball at crucial times. Southend capitalised on Diss handling errors as the home side chased the game. A further four tries were scored by the visitors thus establishing a comprehensive victory for the Essex side. Diss rallied towards the end scoring a well taken try following a drive through the midfield from George Gooderham and Matt Richards. Shaun Blythe scoring to give the Players and supporters a positive end to the game. Once a League victory is secured a level of confidence and success will without doubt return to this proud and hard- working team.