Diss 56, Basildon 8

Diss put a tough run behind them in some style on Saturday when they recorded a thumping home win over struggling Basildon in London One North.

The home side were dominant throughout and their opponents had no answer to their running game as tries came at regular intervals.

New Zealand winger Nick Harding led the way with a hat-trick while Pete Bray and Dec Hall both crossd the line twice.

Zak Seward and Giles West also scored tries while Chris Beaird topped up the score with his accurate kicking.

The only disappointing moment for Diss, aside from Basildon's push-over try, was the dismissal of Mike Fuller for picking up two yellow cards.

That setback aside it was a day to remember for the hosts, who had gone into the match on the back of a disappointing run of results against many of the league's top sides.

'It was very pleasing to see the lads play like that,' said coach Phil Sharpe. 'They played an expansive game and kept it going throughout, which is never easy.

'We got what we deserved and it would have been more but for a couple of passes that were judged forward. At the end it was great to hear the applause of the spectators who clearly liked what they had seen.'

Diss, who remain a comfortable seventh in the table, will now be aiming to finish a promising season on a high note, starting with a trip to Chingford on Saturday.