Diss RFC 31 v Ruislip RFC 32

Diss were not clinical enough and yet again gave the opposition too much freedom

Diss yet again gifted the opposition two converted tries within the first ten minutes of this crucial mid- table clash. Having conceded three unnecessary penalties, Diss immediately found themselves yet again on the back foot having to play catch up rugby all afternoon. Ruislip played a very simple off -loading game that created opportunities at regular intervals. Initially dominant at the breakdown and playing through the phases at a pace that Diss struggled to cope with allowed Ruislip to totally dominate the first quarter of the game. On 25 minutes Diss entered the Ruislip half for the first time with purpose and authority. A determined break from Isaiah Graham – Hooper led to the ball being transferred across the field at pace. Jo Brock crashed through into the Ruislip 22 thus allowing the ball to be moved to Freddie Precious, who scored a beautifully crafted try that involved the whole team. Diss now stepped up the pace and began to play with continuity, determination and an authority not seen in the game thus far. Playing very much on the front foot gave Stephen Hipwell the opportunity to score a second Diss try as half time approached. Unfortunately both conversions were missed. This was to prove pivotal as the game unfolded.
Yet again Diss succumbed to early Ruislip pressure conceding a try scored through the visitors forwards. The game now opened up completely with Diss playing their best rugby of the match. Playing with a growing confidence and at a pace not replicated thus far, allowed the home side to score two further tries to take the lead. A superb pass from Alex Leader sent Stephen Hipwell over for his second try and following a Leader kick, Hipwell was able to feed Jacob Page who crashed over from 10 metres. Throughout the season Diss have been unable to defend any lead whatsoever. As the game moved into the final quarter Ruislip scored another converted try to regain the lead. Diss responded with a well struck penalty from Chris Beaird. Following creative play from the Diss three quarters and a typical bullish thrust from Stephen Hipwell, Jo Hegarty scythed his way through to establish a 32-26 lead that should have sealed a famous victory for the home side. As the game drifted to its conclusion Ruislip intelligently maintained possession forcing Diss to retreat to their own line. A driving maul that should have been defended by the whole Diss pack gave the visitors the winning try and conversion. Diss were not clinical enough and yet again gave the opposition too much freedom. A victory for Ruislip proved to be a fair and Just result.