Diss Rugby Club first team began their pre-season warm-up with a home fixture versus Shelford and drew 10-10.This fixture provided a useful guide to the season ahead, as the opposition play in a higher league.

Diss Rugby Club first team began their pre-season warm-up with a home fixture versus Shelford and drew 10-10.

This fixture provided a useful guide to the season ahead, as the opposition play in a higher league. The early exchanges went much as expected, with Shelford making the more determined start and Diss forced to defend.

The home defence looked to have been breached when the Shelford left wing crossed the line in the corner, only for the referee to disallow the try because of a forward pass.

After some 10 minutes, Diss managed to break out of their own half and begin attacking moves of their own.

From good line-out possession came a rolling maul, which gained quick momentum.

Number eight, Deaglan Hall, was able to ground the ball in the corner and Diss had a five-point lead, as the try was not converted.

The match was played in four 20-minute quarters, and as the first session ended, both sides took the opportunity to make multiple changes to their sides.

Shelford began to move the ball at pace, and despite good defensive work from Diss, an equalising try was scored when a Shelford back crossed the line near the corner.

The second session became rather scrappy, with neither side able to gain an advantage.

From the start of the third session, Diss backs began to move the ball well, but it was Shelford who took the lead when, after a period of continuous pressure, their right-winger scored an unconverted try in the corner.

The final session saw the Diss backs once again displaying their potential. There were several examples of incisive interplay which will have pleased the Diss coaching staff.

The forwards also began to dominate, spending long periods camped on the opposition try line.

However, the pressure eventually paid off, and a move where backs and forwards combined was nicely completed by Matt Richards, who scored an unconverted try to finish off the game. This was a useful game for both sides and Diss will be generally quite pleased with their performance.

The next fixture is against Sudbury.

Diss RFC are very pleased to be able to strengthen their physio team with the appointment of Rachael Suckling. Rachael is a member of the national squad going to Beijing during September to support athletes in the Paralypmics.

On September 20, Diss will be holding a reunion day, and any person with a past connection with the club is invited.

There will be a pre-match lunch before the first home league game versus Welwyn, and bookings can be made by contacting David Ford.