Rochford Hundred 19 : 17 Diss

The match had an end of season feel about it and this was reflected by the overall standard of play from both sides. The pitch conditions and heavy rainfall did not help the players but all too often Diss failed to retain possession and as a consequence were unable to turn any chances created into scoring opportunities.

Rochford opened the scoring following a penalty attempt at goal that missed . The Diss players , due to a total lack of concentration stood and watched the ball bounce short of the line and one of the Rochford players following up was able to grasp the ball and score. There then followed a positive period from the Diss side with forwards and backs combing well in the difficult conditions Steve Macqueen was able to score far out on the right following excellent defensive work from the Diss three quarters. Close to half time , following clean line out ball Diss drove deep into the Rochford twenty two and released Giles West on a determined run to score under the posts .Warren Wilby converted the try and Diss deservedly led 12-7 at half time.

The half time score reflected the possession and territory Diss had enjoyed and suggested that with continued improvement in the second half a victory could be secured. Early in the second half following efficient interplay between the forwards and backs Scott Deakin was able to crash over to extend the Diss lead. One more Diss score from here and the game would have been beyond Rochford.

However that was not the case. Rochford came back strongly and scored an excellent individual try out wide followed by the crucial winning score from a well executed rolling maul. As hard as Diss tried they were unable to break through the now determined Rochford defence and the game ended with the Rochford players celebrating only their third win of the season. Diss travel back to Essex next week to play Romford and Gidea Park. A win to complete the league season will be crucial leading up the Norfolk cup semi- final against Norwich on Saturday 27th April.

Report by Paul Cochrane