The second half performance in particular was an excellent example of how a physically dominant pack can combine with a decisive and flowing back line to make a capable side look decidedly average. In contrast to other games this season, the tries themselves were founded upon team collaboration rather than inspired individual breaks. It was an absolute pleasure to see the work from the training ground being replicated in a game situation.

The Colchester front row made an almost immediate impact on the game when the unfortunate Eton Manor hooker ran into Joe McMillan and Rhys Hartley and came off decidedly worse for wear with a damaged shoulder. This early change had an enormous impact on the game and our boys rammed home the advantage at every turn, stealing a high proportion of the Manor line out ball and establishing total dominance in the scrum. There is nothing worse as a forward to know you're going into every scrum and line out and simply trying to survive rather than compete. As they trudged off for half time, it was clear to see from the body language of the Eton Manor players, that they knew they were in for a hard day at the office.

Jack White, making his debut 1st XV start, was a deserved man of the match. Jack controlled the pace and delivery of the ball to hand and his precision kicking was critical as we were able to exert almost total control of the line out, turning defence into attack by taking our opponents ball almost at will. Forwards coach Lee Soper was absolutely delighted with the execution and outcomes from our lineout. On three occasions tries could be traced directly from line outs - moves straight from the training ground, executed perfectly on the pitch!

In terms of performance, the 'spine' of the team worked superbly. The combination of hooker (Rhys Hartley) and second row (Liam Pickett) dominated the line out. The back row of Whiteman, Pickard and Oliver Pickett carried and tackled well and despite some first half resistance, especially from the Eton Manor no.7, they took control of the breakdown and continually nudged past the gain line to pressurise the visitors defensive line. Crucially, we were only able to benefit from Eton Manor's lineout thanks to Pickard and Whiteman's ability to adapt and improvise in unexpected scenario's. It's great to pick up wayward ball, but someone on the pitch has to use it and build patterns of play; the two flankers did that so well. Scrum half and last week's man of the match Matt Wadling worked in tandem with Jack White and together they maintained quick delivery (particularly in the second half) utilising the inside and outside breaks of the three-quarters to good effect. In the three-quarters, George Liversidge made a welcome return to the side at inside centre. In my book, George has emerged as a fundamental element of the side. He carried the ball exceptionally well and he maintained possession in advanced parts of the pitch. George's ball retention has improved enormously over the last two seasons, and as I have said before, it takes an enormous amount of courage to change your game completely and essentially start from scratch. George is now beginning to reap the rewards of his hard work.

I felt there were two 'moments of the match' (plus another one that eagled eyed spectators might have seen but I can't really talk about in print!). Firstly, the second half appearance of Eli Castle. With the crowd calling for Eli he crowned his appearance with an almost immediate try. Eli is having an incredible resurgence and he contributes so much to the team. Secondly, mid way through the second half, a training ground line out move put a massive smile on everyone's face. Sometimes, the importance of training is underestimated, but the performance of this move owes everything to repetition, planning and the virtue of building a team of players with the right skill set who can execute it under pressure. It was a good day for the club.

Just to make the day even better, on Pitch Three the Ravens registered an emphatic 52-12 victory over Ealing Amateurs. In truth, the Ravens stunned their opposition with a volley of first half tries, including a hat-trick from Paul Summerson, that literally blew their opponents away. For me, the most encouraging aspect of the win is the composition of the Ravens side; a real blend of youth and experience. Our young and emerging players such as Troy Palmer, Matt Hexley, Rory Miller, Nic Woodhead, Jack O'Sullivan and Will Allen are learning the ropes from experienced campaigners such as Adam Cook, Pat Murphy, Paul Summerson and Toby Hill. We are really lucky to have generous and encouraging senior players who are keen to support our youngsters, rather than protect their own places. Thank you boys - you are great clubmen and we really appreciate your contribution.

Next Saturday we have five of our six senior sides in action. The Roundheads, Cavaliers and A XV are at home and the Ravens and 1st XV hit the road again (playing Wimbledon 2's and South Woodham Ferrers respectively). It is a very special game for our Roundheads and our stalwart prop forward Alan Goggin who will celebrate his 70th birthday by putting in a shift against Mersea Rhinos! More on this and other matters in my preview on Friday.