Diss Saracens 25 : 12 Southwold 1sts

Following a very late phone call from Beccles RFC the First XV Pre- season game was cancelled at very short notice . The Saracens XV however played a most entertaining fixture against Southwold First XV. Hats off to the Southwold Club for bringing a small squad and Playing games not only against the Saracens but also against the Diss 3rd XV. A number of the Southwold players played in both games.

Not surprisingly the first half proved to be a rather scrappy affair with both sides struggling to find any continuity or a settled game plan. Diss had the edge in the tight but Southwold were certainly more adept when off- loading out of the tackle. Ethan Page scored the first Diss try following excellent approach work from the Diss forwards and backs alike. Karlton Gray, John Bergin, John Hutchinson Paul Cayley and Luke Bailey all began to assert themselves and deliver quality possession for the Diss backs.

In the three quarters Dougie Moir at Scrum half was proving a real handful and combining really well with new fly half Jack Keppel. Sebastian Goodge was also by now beginning to show class and orchestrating affairs from the midfield. New Australian’s Gus McGrath and Jack Keppel continued to impress in the second half . Ball distribution and improved handling skills allowed McGrath to score an outstanding final try. A most promising and enjoyable Pre-season friendly. Credit to both teams.