Letchworth RFC 7 Diss RFC 41

A performance of total dominance and authority

A performance of total dominance and authority secured Diss a third away win of the season, reversing a lack of form over the last two weeks, coupled with the establishment of a points difference that should secure a mid- table position by the end of the season. Scoring within the first minute of the game allowed Diss the opportunity to control the ball and dictate the pattern of play in conditions that warranted complete authority when in possession. A superbly timed flat pass from Aaron Forest sent Connor McBryde slicing through the Letchworth defence to open the scoring. In previous games Diss have often conceded points immediately. This week however a determined resolve, coupled with an ability to control possession and run intelligent attacking lines meant that a series of phases set up Stephen Hipwell to score from a five metre scrum to establish a fourteen point lead after ten minutes. The loss of Connor McBryde and Barnaby Chenery through injury hardly affected the momentum with John Laurie returning to support a driving game that was ripping the home side apart. As the first quarter ended Matt Richards secured possession following a series of ruthless drives to score a third unanswered try. Letchworth now enjoyed possession for the first time in the game. The Diss defence showed far more authority this week, being able to absorb the pressure and then through a bludgeoning drive from Stephen Hipwell immediately attack the opposition. Hipwell capitalised on a solid five metre scrummage to score his second try of the game to establish a twenty six point half time lead.
The second half opened with a wonderful Diss try that stemmed from the kick off and involved the whole team. A continuity of possession and driving runs from Todd Wishart, Aaron Forest and Stephen Hipwell sent John Laurie crashing over to score one of the best tries of the season. Letchworth rallied at this point and pressured the Diss line only to find that this week a new resolve has manifested itself within the visitors. Attacking from deep, Matt Richards should have scored following superb inter-play between backs and forwards alike. Stephen Hipwell then completed his hat rick by seizing on possession from Jake Girdler to crash through five tackles. Diss completed the afternoon with a try for debutant Elliot Rayment. Collecting possession from a creative cross kick from Will Hudson, Rayment side stepped his opposite number to score a superb concluding Diss try. A performance of authority from the whole Diss side, highlighted by man of the match, Aaron Forest who controlled and distributed possession with such maturity.