Diss and Colchester agreed in advance to use the fixture as a chance to give newer players more game time or allow players to try new positions. With a few players resting this suited Diss but on the day only 17 arrived at Colchester and the forwards were short of a second row. Joe Jermy moved from 13 to take the place of resting captain Freddie Potter in the second row. The start of the game was very even, with both sides applying pressure. Diss worked their way into the Colchester 22 and Lucas Dade-Ricketts set off on a strong run until stopped 5 metres out. The ruck was won and the ball passed to Joe Jermy to crash over for the try. 0-7
Colchester responded with a try of their own 5-7, but the game was still even at 1/2 with Diss just leading.
Adam Balding, Josh and Ollie Davies had a great game in the front row and were providing a stable platform at the scrum. Colchester scored first in the second half 12-7. but shortly afterwards we witnessed a pick up and drive for the line by Bryce Cochrane to bring the scores square at 12-12.
On too many occasions Diss wasted good possession with handling going awry. We also needed to go wide sooner to give the wingers a bigger role. Colchester took advantage of the poor handling and scored twice 24-12.
Diss regathered themselves and with the last play of the day Joe Jermy clearly enjoying a different role, forced his way through several tackles to score. 24-17.
It was a good Diss display with many of the regulars resting or unavailable. Diss did what they could to compete against the Colchester 25 man match day squad but it proved a bridge too far - but only just.