Diss v Chelmsford

Diss 31 Chelmsford 26

Diss completed the League season with another most encouraging home victory against opposition from higher up the League table. Results since the Christmas break have been far more consistent with four consecutive victories at home and an away loss at League leaders Ipswich that really should have resulted in a deserved victory.
Chelmsford play an enterprising open brand of rugby and immediately took advantage of a successful kick chase to take a seven point lead after five minutes. Diss eventually found some continuity within the game establishing an attacking line out within the visitors twenty two. Fast moving possession was moved to Fraser Baron who glided elegantly through the Chelmsford Midfield to bring the scores level following his own conversion. Diss now attacked at every opportunity with their forwards beginning to dominate the breakdown. Nick Garnham,Toby Eve and Jake Girdler were at the forefront of this passage of play. Captain John Bergin yet again took the game to the opposition with the likes of Angus Germany and Matt Richards all driving with determination at the Chelmsford midfield. The Diss scrummage won all the scrums on their own put in thus allowing the talents of Alex Leeder, Kandemwa , Reg Gardner, Wes McGuire and Haydn Whatling to all express themselves.
As the game entered the second quarter Diss scored three tries to extend their lead by a clear fourteen points. Wes McGuire dominated the open spaces with Fraser Baron pulling the strings from fly half as well as securing valuable points from four well struck conversions. A half time lead of 28-14 suggested that Diss were in the ascendancy.
In many ways the second half mirrored the first with both sides attempting to play an open game. Chelmsford suffered consistently due to poor handling skills whilst Diss showed a much improved distribution structure compared to previous weeks. Two crucial errors allowed the visitors to get back into contention and close the gap to within two points. A further Diss penalty gave the home side a five point advantage,however,a further period of solid defence was still needed. Led by the likes of Nick Garnham, John Bergin and Matt Richards, Diss held firm to secure a superb win. Without doubt the most complete win of the season and one that should prove instrumental in helping to drive the Coaching team and players forward to more success next season.