Match Report

Diss RFC 21 Cantabrigian RFC 60

A totally humbling afternoon for the Diss First XV. Kicking off into a stiff breeze, Diss applied early pressure, handling the ball with confidence. Losing an attacking line out allowed Cantabs to break through a wayward Diss midfield defence to score a converted try within the first three minutes of the game. From a poor restart kick, Cantabs immediately put the home side under pressure with a clever kick that the Cantabs winger was able to gather to score yet another well-crafted try. Diss briefly rallied with the ball in hand but being turned over twice and then falling off too many tackles gave the visitors a nineteen point lead after only fifteen minutes.

Led by a darting Alex Leeder and driving play from John Bergin and Jake Girdler, Diss began to play themselves back into the game. Moving the ball out wide and then looking for support players, eventually allowed Jake Girdler to score under the posts. Aaron Frith stepping up to convert. For a period of around ten minutes, Diss totally controlled the game, playing a brand of open and positive rugby on the front foot. A yellow card for Diss prop Ed Passmore unfortunately gave Cantabs the opportunity they needed. Driving close to an advancing breakdown Cantabs scored yet another converted try. As Diss tried to open the game up in search of another try, Cantabs intercepted a loose pass to score following further weak Diss tackling.

Diss opened the second half on the front foot but a combination of wayward kicking and ill-discipline allowed the visitors to pressure the home side deep into their own twenty two. Kicking into the breeze Cantabs were able to seize on poor handling technique and a real lack of continuity from a Diss team that were seemingly adrift from any sort of game plan. Cantabs began to score tries with the freedom of open space out wide and a seriously failing Diss defence. Michael Jones found himself wide on the wing and ran with determination to score. Aaron Frith converting from wide on the left.

As Diss suffered a number of worrying injuries Cantabs took advantage scoring a further try. Michael Jones yet again seized possession close to the Cantab twenty two, eventually feeding James Shaw who scored close to the posts. Aaron Frith yet again converting to bring a semblance of relief. Thus ended a game that Diss will need to very quickly put behind them.