Diss stay bottom of the pile in London 1 North following 55-0 defeat at Southend Saxons

Diss remain rooted to the bottom of the London 1 North table following a 55-0 defeat away to Southend Saxons at the weekend.

The game illustrated the gulf between two sides at completely different levels within the league.

Diss deserved to lose, but Dave Smith’s charges played an open brand of rugby that highlighted the youthful promise which will serve the south Norfolk side in good stead for the seasons ahead.

After conceding an early try following weak tackling, Diss spent a sustained period of possession during the first quarter without ever threatening the Southend line.

The Diss front row of Tim Groom, Matt Richards and the vastly improving Michael Jones dominated the set piece all afternoon.

John Bergin, George Easton and Nick Garnham all carried with vigour, but all too often a lack of precision and ball retention allowed the Saxons to counter attack.

Harry Branch and Chris Vaughan dominated all the attacking options, thus setting up a number of very well executed tries through their potent back division.

Throughout the game, one Diss player highlighted the spirit of the visitors with a display of true endeavour, setting a fine example to the younger players.

Warren Wilby was outstanding both attack and defence, halting numerous Southend thrusts, while leading attacking opportunities as they presented themselves.

In the last few games, Diss have conceded a series of tries within the final quarter. But with a combination of determination and attacking foresight, the visitors were able to keep the Saxons down to only three tries within the second half.

Southend have a very potent back division and threatened with ball in hand, scoring further tries from Tom Ramsey, Ray Crossan and Jack Sexton. Tom Miller, Will Thomson and Conner McBryde all defended with passion, while running hard and straight while in possession.

George Jones, yet again growing with confidence at fly half, controlled options in both attack and defence.

The game ended in another heavy defeat, but at no stage did the Diss heads drop, and Smith’s men kept on playing a positive brand of rugby that was appreciated by home and visiting supporters alike.

With no game this weekend, Diss are next in action a week tomorrow when they host fifth-placed H.A.C. at Mackenders (March 2). H.A.C. won the reverse fixture 79-14 back in November.