London One North Diss 34 Saffron Walden 34 Diss had to make do with a 34-34 draw against Safron Walden following another frantic, error-ridden, but thoroughly entertaining encounter.

East Anglian Daily Times: Action from Diss Rugby Club's 34-34 draw with Saffron Walden in London One North.Action from Diss Rugby Club's 34-34 draw with Saffron Walden in London One North. (Image: Archant)

For the third game running, an inability to retain possession and defend consistently yet again proved crucial at vital moments for the Suffolk side.

Saffron Walden full-back Tom Price opened the scoring following poor tackling within the Diss 22. The hosts then responded with an attacking period of their own, levelling the scores as Stephen Hipwell went over from metres to allow Chris Beaird to convert.

A loose pass was intercepted by Paul Marshall who raced the length of the field to score yet another converted try for the visitors.

Then, on 30 minutes, a well-executed Saffron Walden line-out sent Adam Miles over to increase the visitors’ lead to 10 points as Diss struggled to impose any authority on the game.

East Anglian Daily Times: Action from Diss Rugby Club's 34-34 draw with Saffron Walden in London One North.Action from Diss Rugby Club's 34-34 draw with Saffron Walden in London One North. (Image: Archant)

Yet another promising move that should have resulted in a home try led to another Saffron Walden interception that allowed Marshall to score again.

A catalogue of inaccuracy and naivety had yet again left the Mackenders playing catch up. Diss, however, do show resilience when challenged as highlighted by two well-struck penalties from Beaird on the stroke of half-time.

Diss responded positively following the break and following excellent interplay between Warren Wilby and Jo Brock, Freddie Precious was sent through to score a converted try that brought the scores level.

Jon Trede and Wilby both had outstanding games defensively, thwarting numerous Saffron Walden attacks at source. Poor discipline then impacted yet again with Jacob Page sent to the sin bin as the game approached its final quarter.

Diss attacked close to the Walden line only to give away a needless penalty that resulted in the talented Price scoring at the other end.

The home side responded, a well-worked set move ending with Beaird scoring under the posts to level, and for the first time in the game took control.

Following a superb touch kick from Jack Peacock the rampaging Hipwell crashed over to give the home side a seven point lead, but a final converted try from Tom Pyke sealed a deserved draw for the visitors though.