Match Preview

Diss have been declared as champions and league winners after South Woodham Ferrers lost to Romford and failed to get a bonus point leaving them 10 points behind Diss and no real chance of overtaking Diss.

The Diss team against Campion had won easily by 82pts to nil with Campion putting up a valiant fight. However Diss were not firing on all cylinders and the team were disappointed with the performance. Which is pleasing, from the point of view that the team want to improve and the coaching team can now look at the game and help the team to be more clinical over the next few weeks. With promotion in the bag the squad will now be able to concentrate on some development for some of the fringe players who will be important next season, whilst still ensuring that the points are secured and the senior players help the younger players and other fringe players to step up and play with the intensity that a first team appearance demands. Player development is key to having a large and resilient squad for next season with all teams in the club being successful.

Stu Hudson, part of the Diss coaching team stated "The good point from the game for the team was that the defence had held strong and Campion for all their efforts did not cross the Diss try line or get close enough to kick a penalty."

"It was interesting that Diss normally strong in the set piece areas struggled at times in this game, to get the flow that has been a trade mark of the team for most of the season. However some of the individual ball skills and running power was on display for all to see and the tries came from all over the pitch and from our own 22 on a number of occasions. Its fair to say that the team possibly tried to hard and as often happens when things are forced they do not come off."

"Diss may have left 40 points on the pitch, but all in all the team are a great team with the potential to go on to even great things in the future. The squad has been very good all season with many players steeping up and helping the team out when there were injuries in the early part of the season and during the autumn."

The great news is that also the 2nd team have got promotion and so have the 3rd team winning their League as champions. The improvement in all teams and the attendance at training has delivered greater skills and organisation in the teams. A playing pattern throughout the club that is simple and effective and a willingness to develop younger players is a way forward for the club and should with the help of a thriving youth and junior section delivering a flow of potential players for the future. However new players at all levels are always welcome at the club and also youth and junior players will receive a warm welcome and be developed to their potential.

This week’s game against local rivals and friends Norwich now takes on a slightly different focus as it is now important to continue to win and develop the teams patterns and strategies as the battles to come next season will be difficult as we step up a level to London One.
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"As always we look forward to the battle against Norwich this week, but with full understanding of what the team needs to deliver to continue to develop. Norwich will be looking to spoil the season and beat Diss on their own ground, so Diss have no illusions what a hard game this is going to be this week. Winning is a habit and the squad needs to focus and not relax. As always a game at a time and Diss want to finish in style." concluded assistant coach Hudson.

Preview by Stu Hudson