Diss 1st XV 3 v 64 Brentwood 1st XV

Diss found the best side in the League too hot to handle

Diss found the best side in the League too hot to handle in a game that reflected the difference between a side seeking promotion and a side trying to establish a foothold in a very competitive League. Competing on an even keel in the first quarter, Diss took an early lead through a Barnaby Chenery penalty, initially indicating that recent form against the leading sides in the League would continue into the New Year.

Brentwood immediately responded by increasing the tempo and mixing a clever kicking game with an ability to off-load the ball to support players who executed outstanding lines of running that placed Diss on the back foot all afternoon. The second quarter of the game was totally dominated by the home side who scored five unanswered tries with a brand of rugby that very few sides in this League could have lived with .Diss defended bravely with Connor McBride to the fore, although a growingly confident Brentwood side capitalised on the fact that Diss suffered two yellow cards either side of half time.

Diss enjoyed a period of continuity and possession throughout the third quarter of the game and should have come away with points from their endeavours. Stephen Hipwell, John Bergin and Jon Trede all drove at the heart of the home sides defence for long periods but two interceptions allowed the siege to be thwarted and as the game approached its conclusion, Diss not surprisingly began to fall off too many tackles allowing Brentwood to score three tries in the last five minutes. Diss were competitive throughout the game, having to accept that on the day they had been beaten by a much better and well drilled side. Lessons will have been learnt and Diss will respond in a positive fashion in the weeks to come.