1stXV vs. Diss Match Report

Chiltern made their second long trip to Norfolk this time to play Diss for the first time. The home side have frequently been competitive this season but have often just failed to secure potential victories. Late cry offs including Stuart Pearham left Chiltern with yet more unfamiliar faces although it meant a debut for Matt Heeks, backs coach, who has now recovered from shoulder surgery. Diss went off like a rocket and rather caught Chiltern cold producing an energetic performance that yet again highlighted the fact that when playing at their best they can compete with the more accomplished sides in the League. Throughout the first thirty minutes Diss played with a determination and continuity not seen for many weeks. From the outset the home side strung together a series of sweeping attacks that culminated in their quick winger scoring a deserved and confidence boosting try which was duly converted. Retention of possession from the kick -off proved to be decisive with Diss able to exit their lines efficiently.

Still starving Chiltern of any worthwhile possession Diss produced a sustained period of forward drives and were rewarded with a second try which was again converted.

The Diss forwards maintained their grip on possession and it was no surprise that they scored their third try which although unconverted gave them a 19-0 lead.

It was at this point that Chiltern woke up and finally secured both possession and territory and with half time fast approaching scored a beautifully constructed try of their own by moving the ball at pace wide to the wings with Jack Kenyon going over for the first try which he also converted. Half time 19-7 to Diss and still much for Chiltern to do.

Early Diss pressure in the second half proved a false dawn. Possession was lost far too easily allowing the Chiltern three quarters the opportunity to attack from deep within their own half. Poor alignment and execution in defence meant that Chiltern scored a second try again by Kenyon which he also converted, thus reducing the deficit to five points. Chiltern were now dominant, controlling the ball at the breakdown and threatening whenever in possession. A third Chiltern try for Jack Kenyon with 15 mins to go brought the scores level as the conversion was missed.

The last 10 minutes was pretty even and after a penalty apiece and with Diss hanging on for dear life the game finished in a draw which overall was probably a fair result!

A really entertaining, wonderfully competitive game ended with honours even.

Next week Chiltern entertain Old Haberdashers in the first return match of the season. The game kicks off at 2.00pm following the annual Christmas lunch bonanza (Christmas jumpers are of course de rigour) with prizes for best dressed and most outlandish tables etc etc!! Lunch is £10 per head and will start at 12.30pm.