On what was by far the coldest day of the season saw both teams battle it out at Mill Road. First three points of the game were awarded to Shelford five minutes in with the fullback kicking a difficult penalty due to the wind from close to the touchline.

With the forwards battling in close quarters it was evident that this was going to be a forward dominant game from both sides. The back lines tried to break through but with both teams having a good defensive line each attack proved fruitless. Shelford were on the attack and had worked their way up to Colchester’s 22 before the ball was turned over by Number 8, George Liversidge. This was passed out to Rob Pickard and thrown to Ravens' Captain, Paul Summerson who collected the pass just outside Colchester’s 10 metre; by speeding around two of Shelford's players he was able to run in under the posts for Colchester’s first points of the game. Conversion from Colchesters fly half – AKA Ben 10 brought the points to 7-3 to Colchester.

Colchester started to dominate the game and slowly, working their way back up the field were camped in the opposition's 22 for about 10 minutes with scrum after scrum; maul after maul. The Shelford flanker received a yellow card for multiple infringements. Colchester went over the try line on two occasions only to be denied by the referee stating that the ball had been held up as he was unable to see the grounding.

Half time Colchester 7, Shelford 3.

The wind dropped slightly and the game started to open up for both teams. Running rugby from both sides excited the hardy spectators. Colchester’s defence was tested again and again by Shelford chipping over the top and the big boot of the Shelford fullback, forcing Colchester to play out of their own 22 on several occasions. Colchester managed to push the visitors back into their 22, which provided Colchester with their second try as they managed to rip the ball from a Shelford forward. Controversy over who actually touched the ball down first over the try line lies between Oliver Gozzett and George Liversidge. Conversion was successful through the trusty boot of Ben 10.

Colchester 14 – Shelford 3

Momentum continued in favour of the Colchester side and they remained in the Shelford half for prolonged periods. Although Elliot Castle was sin binned for not using his arms in the tackle, Shelford were unable to capitalise on this with Colchester’s strong defence. Eli’s return to the game cut open the Shelford defence and he successfully scored his first try for the Ravens. Conversion unfortunately unsuccessful by Joe Flexman.

Colchester 19 – Shelford 3

With just 5 minutes of the game remaining and the strong forwards, led by Kieran Payne, bossed their way up the field and again found themselves on the 5 metre line. Superb hands from Eamon Maguire, gave Captain Paul Summerson his second try of the day….final scores from a bitterly cold mill Road……

Colchester 24 – Shelford 3