Diss edge close encounter

DISS 17 12 COLCHESTER

This was a really well contested game between two well matched teams, with the outcome in doubt until the last play of the match. There were long spells of pressure by both teams, countered by resilient defence; both of the teams are to be congratulated for attempting to play an open, passing game in the difficult, wet conditions.

The opening try came after 10 minutes when Sam Burnett caught the ball at a line out and, after a rampaging run, dived over the line; unfortunately it was the 5 metre line! However, the reprieve was short lived for Colchester as good work by the Diss forwards saw the ball recycled and Harry Williamson powered over in the corner (5-0). Diss continued to press but a break from midway inside his own half saw Nathan Elmer break several tackles and run clear for a try beneath the posts (5-7). The half appeared to be meandering to a close when a Colchester clearance was superbly caught by Toby Drake and the Diss backs returned the ball with interest. When they were held up, the ball was quickly recycled and Williamson burst through to score beneath the posts; Aaron Frith added the conversion (HT 12-7).

From the restart, Colchester displayed quick hands and appeared to be racing for the try line, only to be prevented by a last-ditch tackle by Charlie Smith. Colchester continued to press, only for Williamson to rip the ball clear when they crossed the line. However, from the resulting 5 metre scrum, the irrepressible McKenzie Bishop crashed over to level the scores (12-12). The match was on a knife edge but Diss found a fresh impetus and slowly edged towards the Colchester line. Forceful runs by Will Rapkin, Williamson, Tyler Pursehouse and Drake forced a 5 metre scrum. Williamson, picking up at the base of the scrum, was unstoppable from such a short distance, crashing over to complete the scoring (FT 17-12).

There were many fine performances throughout the Diss team and they can all be proud of their efforts. It was a day when picking out individuals seems inappropriate, but….. Jack Elliott, playing his first match for the team, slotted seamlessly into a dominant front row. In an era when top level hookers don’t bother to hook and scrum halves feed the ball into the second row of the scrum, it was a delight to see Jedd Carter and Wilson Potter showing their skills with some terrific quick hooking, timing their strikes perfectly with Leo Sargent’s entries to the scrum. However, Harry Williamson was a constant force and his trio of tries proved the difference between the teams; he was selected by the Diss coaches as their Player of the Day.