The threat of relegation looms ever larger for Diss following yet another home defeat, this time to fellow strugglers Tabard.

To the impartial spectator this was an entertaining game of rugby and one in which both sides tried to play an attacking and expansive game. Diss were yet again unable to field the team originally selected and found themselves without the experience of Peter Chartier and Deaglan Hall.

When one considers the recent weather the match day conditions were absolutely superb and testament to the outstanding work of George Porter.

Diss began slowly and allowed the Tabard forwards a foothold in the game. Tabard responded by scoring an unconverted try through their forwards.

Diss also spent the first 15 minutes giving away a series of needless penalties that allowed Tabard the opportunity to taking an 8-0 lead.

Diss then sprang to life and Matt Gardner slotted a penalty to bring the scores closer leading up to half time. What was apparent was the fact that there was very little between the teams and the early encounters in the second half were going to be crucial.

Tabard started the second half in positive fashion and scored an opportunist try. It was a classic case of Diss not taking their chances and then due to a lack of basic skills and poor handling the opposition taking advantage. Tabard led 13-3 and yet again Diss were chasing the game.

Gardner was now beginning to control events from stand-off and made a number of telling breaks. Unfortunately support was slow getting to him and attacking opportunities were often halted at source.

The final quarter found Diss asserting pressure close to the Tabard line and resulted in Matt Richards crashing over for a try which Gardner converted to bring Diss back into the game. Yet again however at the crucial stage Diss gave away needless penalties and allowed Tabard the opportunity to score a further unconverted try and penalty to secure the game with five minutes to play.

Positives can be taken from the game, with Gardner injecting real pace and energy and Fraser Hall, Michael Fuller, Matt Richards and yet again Joe Seaman all playing with great heart and vigour.

- For the second week running North Walsham were left without a game – even though their main pitch at Scottow was fit for play.

Their scheduled home fixture with struggling Old Haberdashers had to be postponed because the Hertfordshire club were experiencing difficulties with weather related delays in rail travel preventing some players getting to the meeting point.

With the approval of the league secretary the game will now be played on the first free weekend, probably March 15, although this date has yet to be confirmed.