Diss 10 : 16 North Walsham

The match between Diss and North Walsham had been built up in the press and among the rival supporters, and there was a nervous atmosphere around the Mackenders ground before the match.

A very large, but good natured crowd welcomed both teams onto the pitch, having been able to watch the 1st half of the Saracens v North Walsham 2nds.

Diss began the match on the front foot, but like the matches against Tring and Bracknell, were not able to convert their sustained pressure on the Walsham line into points, and paid with Walsham scoring a penalty from their 1st attack.

Captain Adam Williamson was replaced By Chris Baird, following a bad leg injury, and following a yellow card for Richard Horne, Pete Bray came on for his debut, as front row replacement.

Walsham used their man advantage to score an unconverted try, followed quickly by a penalty when the Diss pack were yet again penalised for illegal work on the ground.

Just before half time Chris Baird kicked a penalty for a score 3-11 at the break.

The 2nd half was similar to the 1st, with both sides probing and with the game littered with mistakes and penalties, 2 of which were missed by Walsham.

After 20 minutes Ali Butler was replaced by Damien Riley and Josh Williams by Pete Bray.

Following a yellow card for Walsham for a 2nd high tackle, Rhuan Jones scored a converted try, which set up a thrilling last 10 minutes.

Pete Bray was then yellow carded, and Walsham were able to use their power in the pack to push over for the winning score.

In such closely contested matches, Diss will have to be more disciplined and be able to take their chances.

We also said goodbye to Gideon Rossouw, who will not be playing in the return fixture, and we wish him well when he returns to South Africa.