Diss travelled to Ampthill in their latest National League fixture on Saturday with the specific aim of developing as a team, committing to fitness and playing for each other.

Although the final result on the scoreboard showed a sound drubbing from a highly skilled, larger and fitter team, the goals were accomplished.

Mistakes were capitalised on by the hosts, who showed why they are competing at the top of the league.

In the first minute a turnover was pounced upon by Ampthill and an early 7-0 lead was in the bag.

Diss responded with strong work and a 20-yard maul put Ampthill on the back foot but a turnover resulted in another try for the hosts.

In the 10th minute more pressure by the Diss defensive line had hooker Josh Williams charging down a clearing kick that was won back by Ampthill for another counter-attack and their third try in the first 15 minutes.

Not convinced that the game was over, the Blues camped out in the opposition's half with continuous surging drives that forced the Ampthill defence to work overtime to keep Diss from scoring.

Ampthill's defensive efforts were eventually rewarded with two more late first half tries, racking up a 33-0 lead going into the break.

The task in the second half was to rely on the team's efforts at training and character to keep fighting for the scraps of ball whenever possible.

Although three more tries by Ampthill put the hosts over the 50 mark, Diss never gave up the battle and actually turned the tables, attacking and forcing the play again and again.

After phase play the ball was sent out to the back line and Fraser Hall finally surged through the defensive line for a well deserved Diss try. The try was converted by 17-year-old Matt Briggs on his first team starting debut at fly-half.

Unfortunately, right at the end of another brave defensive effort by Diss, Ampthill mirrored the score of the previous week against Dorking by completing a 64-7 defeat.

The differences on the day were obvious and the Blues walked away from the game with more confidence and more lessons learnt.

Next weekend Diss entertain Staines at Mackenders, looking to build on this week's efforts.