Diss 35, Old Haberdashers 13

Diss recorded a second straight win in London 1N as they comfortably saw off their Hertfordshire opponents on a warm afternoon at Mackenders.

A crowd of over 500 were treated to a great game of running rugby that tested the resolve of both teams to overcome continued attacks in a high tempo match.

Eight minutes in and the advantage was with Diss in their first ever meeting with Old Haberdashers. A penalty for holding on directly in front of the posts saw the first of Chris Beaird's accurate kicks go over. The next score was a penalty for Old Haberdashers in almost the mirror position.

Some interesting interpretations then meant that Liam Brown for Diss and two visiting players received yellow cards one after the other in the space of 15 minutes. Two further penalties and a try for Warren Wilby ended the first half at 11-6.

There was much to shout about in the second half as the fitness levels and game skills that Diss have worked so hard on came to the fore. Abercrombie received the kick and fed to Bliss who made a charge for the line and Wilby was on hand to touch down, Beaird converting.

The visitors were next to score from a very well worked move off the back of the scrum. Poor first up tackles allowed them in for their only try which was converted.

From this point on it was all Diss. Expansive attacks, confident runs and growing self belief saw the Blues gain in confidence in each successive play. They dominated in all aspects of the set piece and set up the back line with good quick ball with two further tries for Wilby and Bliss, converted by Beaird.

The maximum five league points saw Diss climb up to seventh in the table with three wins and three defeats to their name.