Woodford succumbed to a heavy 41-13 defeat away to Diss in London One North on Saturday – a result which leaves them bottom of the table.

Although the visitors started brightly it was Diss who played with greater intensity and skill.

Woodford forced an early penalty and Cameron Dutch converted to put them ahead in the game.

Woodford were playing with vigour and when they turned over a scrum it looked as if number eight Robbie Connell would extend their lead. However, scrum-half John Cruddace was deemed to have held back his opposite man and the move was halted.

The visitors continued to apply pressure and, following a number of penalties, the Diss number seven was yellow carded for misdemeanours in the ruck.

Woodford were unable to make their pressure count though and Diss managed to clear their lines and march downfield before forcing a number of penalties which saw Guy Bishop follow his opponent into the sin-bin.

The home side levelled the score from the resultant penalty and then took control of the game.

A superb break from the hosts’ inside centre allowed the Diss winger to score and open up a 10-3 lead.

Another penalty extended their advantage and on the stroke of half-time further pressure from Diss led to another converted try.

Woodford were reeling at the interval and they were unable to recover after the break.

To compound their misery, back row stalwart Mike Lawlor looks set for a spell on the sidelines following an unsavoury off-the-ball incident that led to a severely cut lip.

The home side went on to score further tries in the second period to gain the bonus point.

Encouragingly for Woodford, captain Tim Saull entered the fray for the first time this season and gave the club’s faithful a glimpse of his talent when he charged down the touchline to record the visitors’ first try of the game.

With the last play of the contest, Woodford grabbed a consolation try as Ted Connell received a pass and touched down.

Despite the heavy nature of the defeat, there were some bright spots for the Essex side as youngsters Brad Burrell, Ashley Somers and Dutch continued their impressive form belying their age.

Woodford next face Luton and will need to improve significantly if they are to take any points.