After a week off, Diss returned to Mackenders, ready to face an undefeated Newmarket side with three wins from three. Heavy rain during the warmup created challenging conditions, forcing both teams to adapt their strategies for a scrappy contest.
Newmarket kicked off the match, reclaiming their own kick before a defensive stand by Diss forced a knock-on. The first ten minutes were marked by scrappy play, with Newmarket conceding several penalties, allowing Diss to pressure their 22. However, handling errors and solid defence kept the visitors safe.

Newmarket struck first after intercepting a pass from a Diss attack. Their winger, number 11, raced in from just inside his half to score, with the conversion making it 7-0. Diss responded quickly, winning a penalty and opting for a kick at goal, which Aaron Frith converted to bring the score to 7-3.

Both teams exchanged penalties as much of the play remained between the 22s. Newmarket extended their lead when their full-back made a sharp break and set up their winger for his second try. The missed conversion left the score at 12-3. Diss continued to benefit from Newmarket’s rising penalty count, and two more successful penalty kicks brought them within striking distance at 12-9.
Just before halftime, Newmarket added another penalty to make it 15-9 as the teams went into the break.

Diss came out aggressively in the second half, making strong carries and pushing into Newmarket’s territory. However, handling errors in the wet conditions allowed Newmarket to clear their lines. A misjudged kick by Diss gave Newmarket a platform, and after a series of powerful carries, they scored a try, stretching their lead to 22-9 after the conversion. Another penalty from Newmarket followed, leaving Diss trailing 25-9.

For the next 15 minutes, Diss launched several attacks but couldn't capitalise, with excellent Newmarket defence and some communication errors preventing a try. The pattern repeated at the opposite end, where Diss showed strong defensive coordination, a sign of improvement from previous seasons.

With eight minutes remaining, tensions flared when Newmarket’s number 8 took exception to a tackle, sparking a scuffle. Both sides saw yellow cards, with Luke Miller sent off for Diss and Newmarket’s number 9 receiving the same fate.

The game ended scrappily, with Diss making advances up the pitch but unable to score. The final whistle blew, and a 25-9 win for Newmarket, somewhat flattering given the balance of play the game highlighted missed opportunities for Diss to work on this coming week. They now look ahead to an away match at Ipswich next weekend.

Submitted by DOD Luke Miller