On Saturday 26th October, a reinvigorated 8th place Diss would take on 11th place Cantabrigian’s at Mackenders. Both teams entered the game on the back of good wins against higher ranked opponents, it was set to be a thriller.

Diss piled on the pressure from the first whistle, moving the ball well laterally and meeting it with punchy running from the backs. However, it was Cantabs that would draw the first blood, with a converted try clutched from an interception.

In no mood to roll over, the boys in blue and white re-composed themselves and were quick to bite back. Direct running from Matt Baxter and swift hands would put Will Lavergne through in the corner for the first Diss score. Moments later more strong movement from the backs, and a spot of good handling from Tom Webster would see him dot down in the corner. Try converted by Aaron Frith.

The boys showed no signs of slowing up, dominance in the forwards with punchy lines being ran by Josh Hayhoe and Connor Phillips, allowed the backs space to play with freedom. Three more tries came in quick succession, Will Lavergne got his brace, Luke Millar and George West with one-a-piece, each showing moments of individual brilliance. All converted by Frith, taking the score to 33-7 to Diss at the interval.

The second half began in a cagey fashion, Cantabs kicked well for territory and put the Diss defence to the test. Some defiant and dominant tackling from the team, namely Tiger Shaw and Luke Millar, ensured the score line remained a one way street. Once back into the Cantabs 22, Aaron Frith caught sight of the try line. A superb solo effort saw him dart through numerous bodies to dot down.

“It was like watching a highlight reel”… Moments later George West saw a chance from 30 yards out. With a quick tap penalty, he proceeded to un-lace his rugby boots and reach for his dancing shoes. West vs 15… like the love child of Fred Astaire and Jason Robinson, he ducked, dived, shimmied, and slipped through the Cantabs line as though time was stood still.

Diss didn’t let up, a turnover from Luke Miller followed by a run resembling a snow plough in fresh powder, would see the scoreboard reach 50 points.

Final score 50-7 to Diss.

Despite this being Diss’ most dominant win to date, coach Alex Kelsall is sure there is more in the tank. As the team begins to gel and settle into a more structured approach, he is convinced the skillset can, and will, go from strength-to-strength.

Submitted by Will Tomson