Diss director of rugby David Hall was looking to the future after his bottom-of-the-table side were beaten for the 15th time in 17 league matches this season.

'The Diss spirit is as strong as ever,' he said. 'But the next nine games are going to be very challenging mentally and physically. The players are putting their bodies on the line and they are paying the cost in growing injury problems at selection.

'The club will be putting together a plan for consolidation now, for next season, to keep the players we have and with the splendid new club house attracting some new ones.'

A good crowd of 250 came to Mackenders to watch the clash with Staines at the weekend, many fortified by another good lunch served in the clubhouse.

Diss started brightly with an early breakthrough by Chris Beaird, who cut the defence to score under the posts. Beaird converted his own try. Unfortunately for Diss this was to be the last time they held the lead.

Some good interplay from the Staines backs and defensive errors from the home side led to a try under the posts for fly-half Mahony, who ran the away team attack throughout the game. Staines No 8 Andy Turner scored the first of his three tries shortly afterwards leaving Diss 12-7 down with all to play for.

Sadly the home side were unable to contain the power of the Staines attack, with Junior Harrison, younger brother of the heavyweight boxer Audley, proving very difficult to stop and his offloads led to a couple of tries.

Diss continued to do all they could, not helped by a Will Farrer yellow card for a high tackle. Steve Hipwell took a direct line through the Staines defence for a good try late on, set up by some sharp passing in the back line.