Chelmsford 27 : 18 Diss - 21st March 2015

Diss travelled to Chelmsford with high hopes that a bonus point win would eventually lead to automatic promotion. Chelmsford however had different ideas and took complete control of the game in the second half to secure all the points. With the slope and elements in their favour Chelmsford were able to carve out a 15-10 half time lead. Diss had actually played very well in the half and turned around with the conditions in their favour for what was presumed to be a second half onslaught. Jack Peacock brought Diss back into the game following an early Chelmsford score with a well taken penalty. Following intelligent play from the Chelmsford Fly Half a further ten points were added and Diss found themselves running into arrears at a rapid rate. As the half drew to a conclusion Paul Cayley found himself in space and for one in the twilight of his career Cayley produced on outstanding off-load to send Ryan Carter over . Peacock converted to take Diss to half time in a positive frame of mind.

Early Diss pressure in the second half highlighted the intent being shown by the Norfolk outfit . A further penalty from Jack Peacock and a Matt Trede try took Diss into an 18-15 lead with the final quarter approaching. Trede’s try was a beauty crafted by excellent running from Tom Holt and a wonderful angle being run by Trede to finish off a free flowing move. At this point the game was there for the taking but for some inexplicable reason Diss took their foot off the throttle and allowed the home side the opportunity to attack with a freedom not seen since the early first half exchanges. Chelmsford scored a well taken try through consistent phases and led 20-18 with ten minutes remaining. Diss rallied but precision deserted them and following an encouraging drive into the Chelmsford half the opposition number 10 intercepted a wayward pass and ran half the length of the field to secure the game. A disappointing result that now leaves the Diss squad with the opportunity of obtaining promotion through the play offs. In many ways the final quarter highlighted the fact that Chelmsford just wanted the spoils a little more than Diss.