Diss' London 1 North relegation confirmed after home defeat to H.A.C

It has been a long time coming, but Diss’ relegation from London 1 North was confirmed on Saturday following their 42-14 defeat at the hands of H.A.C on Saturday.

It has been a tough season for the Blues, who are rooted to the foot of the table having picked up just one victory all season.

And their latest defeat – coupled with fourth-from-bottom Ruislip recording a 48-17 victory over Amersham & Chiltern – has sealed their fate with five matches of the campaign still left to play.

Not for the first time this term Diss were a match for their opponents for much of the contest, but their tendency to concede tries at key moments once again proved to be their downfall.

The hosts actually scored the first try at Mackenders through Chris Beaird, who applied the finishing touch following John Bergin’s drive and a scything run from Warren Wilby.

Beaird stepped up to add the extras to put his side seven points to the good.

However, it seemed that every time H.A.C entered the Diss 22 they managed to come away with maximum points.

The visitors managed to secure the four-try bonus point before the half-time whistle, although Matt Richards managed to crash over just before the whistle to keep Diss in contention.

In terms of ball possession Diss were dominant in the second half but despite launching numerous attacks, a combination of poor decision making and some solid defending from the visitors meant that there was no way through.

In contrast, H.A.C forays into Diss territory was rare but on the two occasions they did apply some real pressure they scored tries to rubber stamp their victory.

Tomorrow Diss travel to face a third-from-bottom Fullerians side that are battling for survival.

Hertfordshire-based Fullerians, who beat Diss 39-19 during November’s reverse fixture at Mackenders, are nine points from safety after a convincing 54-22 vicotry over Old Priorians last time out. Diss go into the fixture on the back of six straight defeats.