Despite a defeat at Dover, Diss Rugby Club first team can take great encouragement from a much improved performance.The same level of commitment will be needed when they return to league action next weekend against leaders Westcliffe.

Despite a defeat at Dover, Diss Rugby Club first team can take great encouragement from a much improved performance.

The same level of commitment will be needed when they return to league action next weekend against leaders Westcliffe.

Diss kicked off against hosts Dover on a pitch that 24 hours earlier had been deemed unplayable, cheered on by a large contingent of travelling fans.

Following good pressure which saw the Diss pack camped deep in opposition territory, they were awarded a penalty as Dover were caught offside. The ball was kicked into touch on the five metre line and from the line-out a catch-and-drive move was pulled down illegally.

The further penalty saw the Diss pack make good ground, but they were again brought down illegally and referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try which full-back Chris Beaird was able to convert. Dover reduced the deficit to just one point with penalties either side of the break.

Diss then mounted a series of attacks and when a forward surge was again halted illegally the referee again awarded penalty try, which Beaird converted.

The Dover backs then attacked from deep. From the side of the pitch the final pass looked suspiciously forward, but a try was scored in the corner. Both teams launched attacks demonstrating incredibly high commitment.

The next score came when Dover intercepted and got an unconverted try. Diss responded by fiercely attacking, with both forwards and backs creating scoring chances.

Somehow the Dover defence held out, despite Diss spending the rest of the game deep in rival territory, to gain a 16-14 victory.