Diss kept alive their hopes of claiming the London Rugby League Division Three NE title when they inflicted a first league defeat of the season on leaders Westcliff, winning 13-5.

Diss kept alive their hopes of claiming the London Rugby League Division Three NE title when they inflicted a first league defeat of the season on leaders Westcliff, winning 13-5.

This was a well-deserved victory in an entertaining game which rewarded the whole team's commitment and effort seen throughout the match.

Diss are now four points behind Westcliff, having played one less game, and can look forward to the prospect of a real competition for the top spot.

They visit Brentwood this weekend, eager to build on their current league form against opposition that they have already beaten twice this season but they will not be complacent.

Against Westcliff, the hard-working Diss pack was rewarded when Westcliff were caught offside. The heavy conditions made kicking difficult and Chris Beaird narrowly missed with his first penalty attempt.

From a line-out the Westcliff pack then caught Diss on the back-foot and powered across the line for No 8 Evans to score, unconverted.

A typically powerful run by flanker Steve Hipwell saw him skilfully off-load in the tackle to scrum-half Pete Chartier, who powered over the line to equalise.

Westcliff attacked from the kick-off and Diss were again grateful for a pressure-relieving kick from Seb Goodge, who gained good ground.

The scores were even at half-time.

Just five minutes into the second half, Diss were forced into a change when Will Foote sustained a cut that needed stitching. He was replaced by John Llewellyn, who moved into the second row.

Diss continued to pressurise their opposition up front and after a Westcliff player impeded play the referee awarded a penalty, which Beaird converted, to give Diss the lead for the first time.

As the game reached its latter stages, Diss once again managed to steal opposition ball in the set-piece. Diss turned the opposition scrum. From their own put-in, the ball was passed out to fly-half Goodge, who hoisted a high kick which Beaird chased.

Under pressure, the Westcliff winger spilled the ball and Beaird gathered and scored the winner.