Diss slip to third Counties 2 Eastern Counties defeat with home loss to Mistley

Diss’ tough start to life in Counties 2 Eastern Counties continued last weekend with a 26-10 defeat at the hands of Mistley.

The Blues, who were relegated last term, headed into the contest at Mackenders having begun the new campaign with back-to-back losses to Sudbury II and Fakenham.

And visiting Mistley, who are second in the table with a 100 per cent winning record, also proved to have too much for Alex Kelsall’s side.

In a contest shaped by both Storm Amy a reshuffled playing squad, Diss nevertheless put in a spirited showing in front of a home crowd.

With driving rain and gale-force winds tearing across the pitch, conditions were always going to play a major role – and both sides were forced to dig deep from the first whistle.

From the outset, the match was a true arm wrestle. Diss stood tall in defence, throwing bodies on the line and refusing to give an inch. The set piece held firm in the face of heavy pressure, and the backline showed flashes of promise despite the swirling wind disrupting handling.

The home side were rewarded for their perseverance with a well-taken try and a penalty, keeping the scoreboard ticking and the game finely balanced well into the second half.

However, as conditions worsened and the physical toll began to show, a few crucial mistakes in key areas of the pitch allowed Mistley to capitalise.

They showed a clinical edge, punishing turnovers and converting territory into points to gradually pull away.

Diss head to Wisbech tomorrow (3pm).