Report from Paul Cochrane. Diss 10 : 21 Tabard - 15th February '14

The threat of relegation looms ever so closer for Diss Rugby Club following yet another home defeat to fellow strugglers Tabard. To the impartial spectator this was actually an entertaining game of rugby and one in which both sides tried to play an attacking and expansive game. Diss were yet again unable to field the team originally selected and found themselves without the experience of Peter Chartier and Deaglan Hall. When one considers the recent weather situation, the match day conditions were absolutely superb and testament to the outstanding work of George Porter, the Diss Curator.

Diss began slowly and allowed the Tabard forwards a foothold in the game. Tabard responded by scoring an unconverted try through their forwards. Diss also spent the first fifteen minutes giving away a series of needless penalties that yet again allowed Tabard the opportunity of taking an 8-0 lead . Diss then sprang to life and Matt Gardner slotted a penalty to bring the scores closer leading up to half time. What was apparent was the fact that there was very little between the teams and the early encounters in the second half were going to be crucial.

Tabard started the second half in positive fashion and scored an opportunist try following excellent play by the Diss forwards. The story of the season really. Diss not taking their chances and then due to a lack of basic skills and poor handling, the opposition took advantage. Tabard led 13-3 and yet again Diss were chasing the game. Matt Gardner was now beginning to control events from stand off and made a number of telling breaks. Unfortunately support was slow getting to him and attacking opportunities were often halted at source. The final quarter found Diss asserting pressure close to the Tabard line and resulted in Matt Richards crashing over for a crucial try. Matt Gardner converted to bring Diss back into the game. Yet again however at the crucial stage of the game Diss gave away needless penalties and allowed Tabard the opportunity to score a further unconverted try and penalty to secure the game with five minutes to play. Positives can be taken from the game , with Matt Gardner injecting real pace and energy and Fraser Hall, Michael Fuller, Matt Richards and yet again Joe Seaman all playing with great heart and vigour.