Basildon 15 : 14 Diss - 13th September '14. Report from Paul Cochrane.

Two crucial mistakes midway through the second half tilted the balance of this very close encounter. Diss had been totally dominant in the tight but somehow managed to lose possession at the base of the scrum enabling the Basildon back-row the opportunity to attack down the blindside and score wide on the right.

Following good defensive work from the Diss forwards an ambitious miss pass led to a straight forward interception and a simple run in for the Basildon centre. Diss started with impressive cohesion and were unlucky to find themselves behind after twenty minutes following an infringement at a ruck.

The Diss backs were beginning to show glimpses of real promise and were cutting through the Basildon midfield at regular intervals. Warren Wilby was in outstanding form all afternoon and sparked a number of telling runs deep into the Basildon twenty two. Following the presentation of excellent ball from the forwards Jack Keppel (Fly Half) produced a wonderful cross kick for Tom Holt to score under the posts. The try was then converted by Jack Keppel. Diss led 7-3 at half time and were now in total control.

Basildon fought their way back midway through the second half. Diss responded to these setbacks with a forwards orientated try scored by Michael Fuller and converted by Jack Keppel. With ten minutes remaining Diss should have killed the game off but a lack of match fitness and practice certainly told in the end.

There were however encouraging signs from this performance. The handling and potential potency of the back division will certainly develop as the season progresses. Tom Holt, Warren Wilby, Angus McGrath and Giles West are out and out try scorers, who will relish the ball that will undoubtedly be presented as the forwards develop more as a unit.