Diss suffered a second successive defeat against high-flying opposition after a brave effort at Mackenders.

Having run Division 1N leaders Bury St Edmunds close just before Christmas, Phil Sharpe's side also gave fourth placed Colchester plenty to think about before falling just short.

Diss were always in the game, and there were never more than a few points between two well matched sides. The hosts' points came from a well worked try in the corner from Warren Wilby, which went unconverted, and three penalties from Chris Beaird. Colchester replied with three tries, one of which was converted.

The game ended with Diss piling on the pressure, only for the referee's whistle to thwart them on a number of occasions when in good positions.

'In the end it was a very frustrating afternoon,' said Sharpe. 'We could have scored a couple tries if it hadn't been for some strange refereeing decisions when we were right on their line.

'Overall it was a good effort from the lads although I was a little bit disappointed with the amount of ball we lost. We are in the middle of a run of tough games (it's third placed Letchworth Garden City away next) but I would expect us to start winning again soon.'