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Senior Rugby: The Preview

Senior Rugby: The Preview

Laura Parker1 Dec 2017 - 09:30
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This is a crucial week for our 1st XV as we look to get back to winning ways against one of our most established Essex rivals, Eton Manor.

Eton Manor are sitting in 6th place in London North 1. They too suffered a loss last weekend, losing on the road to ninth place Old Priorians 25-10. Having had a taste for National 3 rugby a couple of seasons ago, Manor will come to Mill Road determined to make a point - we will have to be on top of our game and we have selected a squad that's pretty much approaching full strength.

This week we are able to reassemble the front row of McMillan, Hartley and Mitchell - with Charlie Thorogood on the bench as the vital front row replacement. Despite some interesting interpretations of the laws of the game last week, our scrum remained dominant. It is difficult for referees, very very few have front row playing experience and at this level they cannot rely on a touch judge to provide them an insight into "the other side" of the front row. They can only see, at best, 50% of the action. The best referees take their time, don't make hasty decisions, and make sure they have seen the tight and loose side before they pass judgement. The experienced and intelligent prop (yes they do exist!) learns quickly how to adapt to the referee's expectations because whoever holds that whistle is, quote: "the sole judge of fact and of Law" on the pitch.

Matt Wadling continues at scrum half. Matt put in a man of the match performance at Amersham & Chiltern; he caught their defence flat footed early in the second half to score a typically opportunistic try and was a constant irritant to the very capable Amersham scrum half! Matt receives a well-earned reward from our partners; a Milsoms Restaurant voucher and a bottle of prosecco from Nethergate Wines.

There were plenty of positive aspects to our performance last weekend and in light of the tactical modifications we made late in the game there are some modifications to the back line that starts the game against Eton Manor. Firstly, Jack White will start his first 1st XV game having made a number of appearances off the bench since joining Colchester over the summer. Jack is a really cultured footballer; the quality of his delivery is excellent and he very much deserves this starting place. Secondly, Brett Cutbush will switch to full back and we welcome George Liversidge back to the starting line up at inside centre. George will be partnered in the centre by Will Brown. This exciting and creative back line is completed by our two wings Shelford Meads and James Crozier.

Our boys are really motivated and know that Eton Manor will always provide a stern test, but our destiny is in our own hands. Interestingly, league leaders Chingford suffered their first defeat of the season as Brentwood registered a 20-19 win against their near neighbours. As I predicted, the referee was kept busy, there were a number of cards issued and at one point Brentwood were down to just 12 men on the pitch whilst trailing Chingford 8-19! Despite this adversity, they showed admirable resolve to strike in the dying seconds and take the win. As we approach the halfway point in the season, anything can happen...

The Ravens kick off at 1.30pm against Ealing Amateurs - visitors to Mill Road will be able to see two great games of rugby this weekend. With no other senior games being played this weekend the Ravens have an extremely good side on show. Pat Murphy will captain the Ravens this week, and it will be his last game for a while as he is scheduled for knee surgery next week. Pat is a great club man and a player who can you can always rely upon to give his absolute best to every game, every week... if his knee allows him to! Although we will miss Pat on the pitch, the physio's will have so much more time on their hands and there will be more strapping and tape for the rest of the boys! Everyone at Colchester RFC wishes you the best Pat; we look forward to seeing you on the touchline very soon.

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