1stXV v Diss: Match Report

Chiltern made the long journey to Norfolk for the return fixture against bottom of the table Diss. Although Chiltern won the home game in November quite easily, numerous injuries and the non availability of 5 regular 1st XV players saw them travel with an all home grown back line supported by 4 more “local” forwards!

It was, therefore, particularly satisfying to come away with a comprehensive bonus point victory.
An early long range penalty for Chiltern kicked by Monty Weatherall, who had another excellent game, was followed by a rather laborious 20 minutes as Chiltern tried to get the bus journey out of their system. An inability to clear their lines gave Diss one too many chances to pressure the Chiltern try line and the result was a penalty try for Diss when Chiltern collapsed the maul, 3-7.

The young Chiltern pack were gradually coming to terms with their older and heavier opponents and the pace and elusiveness of the backs started to exert significant pressure on Diss. The ball was now being carried forcefully and after 30 minutes an excellent break by Ben Pothecary, who enjoyed a splendid match throughout, gave lock Steve Gibson enough space to breach the defence and score Chiltern’s first try wide out nicely converted by Weatherall 10-7. A few minutes later a long run by Dave John was supported by Mikey Brothers who raced over for Chiltern’s 2nd try again converted by Weatherall 17-7. Diss were really struggling to cope with Chilterns superior handling and pace and it was no surprise when Weatherall sliced through to set up winger Dan Kingsley for the third try which Weatherall converted 24-7 and half time reached.

Early in the second half and amidst much confusion Ollie Cato was red carded for appearing to disagree with the referee and shortly after Steven Gibson was then yellow carded for a late tackle. Not surprisingly it took Chiltern a while to come to terms with only 13 players on the park and Diss took the opportunity to score their second try 24-14.

With Gibson back on the pitch Chiltern then took complete control of the rest of the game. A tiring defence had no answer to a storming run by Jordan Scott followed by two tries for replacement Ryan Greenstreet and finally after another midfield break the icing on the cake went to skipper Ryan Cole whose try and Weatherall’s conversion took the final score to 48-14.

After so many changes and such a long journey this could have been a banana skin waiting to happen but the boys responded brilliantly to secure a 7 try victory and to enjoy a quiet and dignified coach trip home!!

Next week we entertain Sudbury for the first time to Weedon Lane. We edged a very close game there pre Christmas so another tight game is likely on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm, preceded by a supporters lunch which starts at 1.00pm.