Diss rise to the challenge

Sudbury 17 Diss 20

Diss and Sudbury fought out an epic encounter to settle the early season bragging rights in Division 2NE.

Diss came away with the spoils in an encounter between two sides who went into the game with 100pc records, although Sudbury will feel they should have closed the game out in the final quarter.

In wet and blustery conditions Diss settled comfortably into the proceedings and following excellent driving play from the forwards John Bergin forced his way over from a driving maul. It quickly became apparent that the game itself was going to be a battle between the heavier and more experienced Diss forwards and the young but talented Sudbury three quarters and on 23 minutes the Sudbury back line moved early ball wide and scored a well taken try to level the scores.

With Paul Cayley yellow carded, Diss now produced their best passage of the game and on 33 minutes, following driving play led by Matt Richards and Michael Fuller, the ensuing scrummage allowed captain Fraser Hall the opportunity to score. Phillip LeLievre stepped up to secure the conversion and Diss led 12-5 as half-time approached.

On 38 minutes a sweeping move down the left allowed Jamie Burroughs the opportunity to feed Fraser Hall who then put in Sean McClure who sent Giles West over in the corner.

LeLievre converted and Diss entered half-time leading 17-5.

Sudbury hit back and on 52 and 62 minutes scored two very well taken tries. Diss responded with a series of driving forays into the Sudbury half and eventually came away with a well taken penalty from LeLeivre to extend the score to 20-17 and that's the way it stayed.

Diss are at home to fellow unbeaten side Norwich on Saturday.