Diss 19 : 7 South Woodham Ferrers

Diss 19 South Woodham Ferrers 7

Conditions at Mackenders proved very difficult throughout, with a blizzard blowing for most of the match and a determined and gutsy opposition who were not going to take a backward step in any form. South Woodham Ferrers certainly had the better of the early exchanges and drove deep into the Diss midfield at every opportunity, creating a number of clear phases from which to launch sustained pressure .Following a series of fast rucks and some intelligent off-loads, Adam Brown, the South Woodham Ferres fly half, crashed over close to the Diss line to open the scoring. Jack Reeve stepped up to convert and Diss found themselves on the back foot with 25 minutes played.

This reverse kick started the Diss offensive, with the forwards led by Fraser Hall advancing into the South Woodham Ferrers half with real purpose. On 34 minutes, following excellent driving play from the Diss pack, Jack Peacock and Josh Ludkin combined to send the ever impressive Warren Wilby through the Woodham defensive line to score. Jack Peacock stepped up to level the scores with half time approaching. Throughout this period the Diss front five had begun to assert real pressure on the South Woodham scrum, suggesting that in the second half this element of the game would be crucial.

With the blizzard increasing in velocity , Diss certainly stepped up the tempo and attacked through both forwards and backs alike. Whilst the conditions did not suit open rugby both sides consistently tried to open the game up when opportunities arose. The third quarter of the game saw Diss controlling possession and pressurising the Woodham line. A lack of patience and precision rather halted the Diss momentum during this period and frustration was beginning to set in. However, following a number of forward advancing scrummages, Fraser Hall was able to drive over the line to score a try crafted from the depths of the Diss front five. Jack Peacock stepped up again to convert to increase the Diss lead to 14-7 with 18 minutes remaining in the game.

South Woodham Ferrers responded immediately and attacked deep into the Diss half. Outstanding defence repelled this thrust and on 86 minutes from a deep clearance kick, Warren Wilby gained possession and then showed remarkable dexterity by flicking the ball between his legs to find Kieran Pask in space on the wing. Pask raced 25 metres to the line to seal a Diss victory. Considering the conditions both sides should be warmly congratulated on the way they played a hard fought and very entertaining encounter.