Diss 38 Rochford Hundred 10

Diss maintained their unbeaten home record with a convincing victory against fourth-placed Rochford Hundred in London 2NE.

The hosts totally dominated all facets of the game and at times played a brand of ruthless and expansive rugby that thoroughly entertained the large crowd.

Following a quiet start Diss were awarded a penalty close to the Rochford line and elected to scrummage rather than take the simple penalty. After a number of re-sets, John Laurie broke blind and produced an outstanding inside offload to send Jamie Burroughs over to open the home account. Jack Peacock stepped up to convert and Diss were now very much on the front foot. Rochford however, had other ideas and produced a 10-minute period of sustained pressure that led to a well worked try wide on the left.

Diss responded in positive fashion and following driving play between the entire midfield, Peacock switched play beautifully to Matt Trede who sped over the line to score. Peacock converted again to help re-establish control before, on 37 minutes, Trede fielded the ball deep in his own half and completely divided the Rochford defence with a silky run that took him into the Rochford half.

A well timed pass allowed Warren Wilby the opportunity to sprint down the touch line to score one of the great tries of the season so far and Diss completed the half leading 19-5.

In order to put the game beyond Rochford, Diss needed to score early in the second half. This they achieved within five minutes when Wilby ghosted through a number of tackles to score under the posts, with Peacock converting to increase the lead to 26-5. For the next 15 minutes Diss played wonderful attacking rugby and during this period Thomas Holt scored two tries, on 50 and 55 minutes respectively. The second was created following inter-play between the entire back row, allowing Holt to break down the right wing to score a superb individual try.

The final quarter failed to live up to the high standards already set. Two Diss yellow cards at the breakdown did not help matters and allowed Rochford the opportunity of a later consolation late try.

This was yet another emphatic Diss win that sends out a clear new year message to the remainder of the teams in the league.

They are away to second from bottom Old Cooperians on Saturday.