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100% Record at Gravesend Pre-Season Tournament!

100% Record at Gravesend Pre-Season Tournament!

Richard Parker21 Aug 2017 - 10:05
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Jon Smith describes a perfect start for 1st XV squad

Colchester finished the Gravesend Invitation preseason tournament undefeated and with a 100% record at the Rectory Field; earning three consecutive victories against Charlton Park, Gravesend and Old Haberdashers.

The opening 30-minute game against London 2 South East side Charlton Park provided some challenges to the Colchester XV as they gradually shook off the understandable preseason rust in securing a 10-5 victory with tries from Julian Chamberlain-Carter and senior debutant Will Brown. Will Brown spent the majority of the afternoon at full back and proved to be a constant threat in every game with his acceleration, pace and ability attack space.

It was great to see a number of young players debuting for the Colchester XV with Joe Colcomb (lock), Joe Cook (back row), Jack O’Sullivan (wing), Will Tillet (scrum half) and Will Brown (full back) all pulling on the senior shirt for the first time. Colchester skipper Liam Pickett was partnered in the second row for all three games by 18-year-old Joe Colcomb. Joe produced three really solid forward displays, showing great strength and determination in contact and sustaining solid work rate for 90 minutes of rugby.

Colchester’s second game was against tournament hosts Gravesend RFC. Colchester last met Gravesend on the final day of the 2015-16 National 3 season and this season Gravesend will compete in London 1 South (level 6). The first half was dominated by defence until Will Brown broke from midfield to score the first of his two tries. Brett Cutbush and Matt Wadling added two further tries and despite the blustery conditions David Higgins converted three of the four conversion opportunities. Colchester finished the 30-minute game comfortable winners 26-0.

The final game was played with uncontested scrums at the request of Old Haberdashers – a team Colchester will meet again later in the season. The mobile Old Habs XV fielded a well-organised defence and this resulted in a crowded midfield until centre George Liversidge broke through two tackles, achieving a double overlap and scoring under the posts. Colchester sealed the victory in the second half with two further tries; another from Will Brown and a last minute try from Joe McMillan, who arrived late to scramble the ball over the line.

To summarise, the 90 minutes of rugby resulted in Colchester scoring nine tries and conceding just one. The visit to Gravesend was the perfect preseason preparation and ticked a number of boxes; it enabled the coaching team to introduce five young players to the senior rugby section and provided an opportunity for coaches and players to explore a series of new/revised playing combinations in advance of the London North 1 campaign. Our plans remain well on track.

On Friday evening (25.08.17) Mill Road will host its first game of the new season as the 1st XV take on a Ravens XV, kicking off at 7.30pm. Spectators are welcome, the bar will be open, and the kitchen will be serving food – please come along.

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