Campion 21 : 14 Diss - 13th December 2014

A very difficult and ultimately very disappointing afternoon for Diss following their recent run of success.

For the first time this season Diss found themselves under pressure in the forwards and not able to dominate possession. The Campion pack were certainly abrasive and physical and set their stool out early into the game. That said, Diss actually played very well and were certainly the more creative in attack, playing their usual brand of open and attacking rugby. Campion opened the scoring on five minutes with a forward orientated, converted try.

Play then fluctuated from end to end with Warren Wilby and Josh Ludkin beginning to break through the Campion midfield and John Laurie gaining ground every time he had possession. On 33 minutes, a promising Diss attack down the left hand touch line resulted in a loss of possession and a hack through from Campion. A foot chase ensued and the Campion winger was rather surprisingly awarded the try. Campion led 14- nil with the first half running out. Diss surged back into the Campion half and following inter play between backs and forwards alike, Josh Ludkin slipped through to score a priceless try just before half time. Adam Goymour stepping up to convert and put Diss firmly back in the game.

Diss lost Jamie Burroughs to a head injury at half time and very early in the second half Josh Ludkin had to retire with an ankle injury. Whilst Campion posed a threat in the forwards their back division lacked any bite and Diss were able to attack with the possession they were winning. Following pressure from the Campion forwards, John Bergin broke clear and on 52 minutes John Laurie crashed through the midfield to score a superb individual try. Adam Goymour was successful with the conversion and Diss were now all square at 14 all.

This was always going to be a tight encounter and certainly proved the case. On 64 minutes, a grubber kick through from the Campion scrum half enabled the Campion winger to score another converted try and Diss now had to play catch again. This they did admirably. Diss attacked from all areas and were ultimately denied by a very aggressive and determined Campion defence, that somehow held out. This was without doubt a true top of the table clash between two very determined sides playing at the top of their game.