Diss missed a chance to make up some ground on the teams just above them in the table when they were beaten by fellow London 1N strugglers Woodford on Saturday.

With nearly all the other league fixtures cancelled – including North Walsham's scheduled visit to Brentwood – Diss travelled south with every intention of repeating their performance against Woodford in the early part of the season when they won 41-13 at Mackenders.

The wet weather had made the conditions difficult and areas of the pitch were only just about about playable.

Diss found themselves under immediate pressure and conceded two early tries and a penalty kick to allow Woodford to lead 15-0 after just ten minutes.

Diss then settled into a more cohesive pattern and began to restore some order to the game. The forwards, whilst surprisingly under pressure in the tight, began to drive forward and eventually John Laurie was able to force his way over wide on the left.

What was apparent from here on was that there really was not much difference between the two teams and Diss certainly were not out of the encounter in any way.

Sadly for the visitors Woodford then scored a further try from an unfortunate interception to lead 22-5 at half-time.

The spirit within the side remained positive with Fraser Hall showing the way forward in all aspects.

Joe Seaman was also having an outstanding afternoon around the fringes of all contact areas.

Diss pressed hard at the beginning of the second half and cut the deficit further with Laurie scoring a second try, converted by Peter Chartier. With the score at 22-12 Diss were back in the game and the signs looked positive.

Woodford now capitalised on Diss handling errors and camped themselves in the Diss half for some considerable time.

When Diss broke free to threaten the Woodford line, careless handling and a lack of basic skills left the task in hand very difficult. Woodford then established a further foothold in the Diss 22 and scored a further converted try to seal the match.

This has been a difficult week for Diss but the players' spirit remains most positive and sooner or later the opposition are going to feel the backlash from a proud and determined group of players and coaches.