Diss 43 : 8 Romford & Gidea Park

The first scrum, two minutes in, saw a change in the power struggle which then went very much in Diss’ way. The resulting infringement by the Romford pack saw Diss rumble up the pitch and for Matthew Oakes to touch down. The very open game blueprint, that Diss have been working on pre season showed throughout the game, and as they attacked with growing self belief Romford resorted to repeated infringements in an attempt to slow the game. This was to no avail as prop Pete Bray dived across the line in another well supported phase of play to score. Chris Beaird converted. At 24 minutes in the Romford open-side was yellow carded for a second dangerous tackle and the penalty resulted in Beaird scoring again. However, a moment of in decision from Beaird in gathering a speculative kick from Romford saw the visitors touch down just before half time to leave the score 15 - 5.

This score, very much against the run of play, was the catalyst that focused the home team to turn up the pressure and show how much the pre season fitness, with coach Simon Cooper, has benefitted them. With a quick score resulting from a scything run by Warren Wilby, converted by Beaird, the only time Romford were allowed back in the game was for a poorly conceded penalty. Michael Fuller broke the line to set up the next score for Deaglan Hall. The team has clearly come together running some intelligent lines and from this, Wilby was again involved in the next line break that set up Adam Rogers for his first score for Diss. The final five minutes of the game showed just how far captain Matthew Richards has matured, leading by example from the first whistle, his final decision was to take the scrum from a five metre penalty saw the final try for Diss scored.

Head Coach Phil Sharpe said "We still have a number of players to return to us from work commitments and know that this will make us stronger as the season progresses. We are aware of what we need to do to keep moving forwards but are obviously very happy to get a win to start the season."

Report by Phil Sharpe