Hard earned win against game Braintree

Colchester entertained traditionally strong rivals Braintree at Mill Road and what followed was a very scrappy (and occasionally fractious) encounter during which neither side managed to achieve consistent periods of sustained pressure or high standards of play.

The first 20 minutes of the game were spent entirely within the Colchester half as the home side struggled to get any sort of foothold in the game. Handling errors, poor decision making and the conceding of too many penalties prevented any flow to Colchester's play and allowed the game Braintree side some useful possession. Turnover ball at their own scrum resulted in the first serious try threat as the home side were forced to hold up a Braintree maul on their own line; winger Laren Roper then breaking away to half-way to relieve the pressure. As the half progressed, Colchester eventually achieved some useful positions within Braintree territory and a Colchester maul after a penalty allowed prop Troy Palmer to burrow his way over for the opening score (try unconverted). Almost immediately from the restart, a Colchester knock-on gave possession back to Braintree and the opposition pack used the opportunity well to drive over for the equalising score (unconverted). Just before half time, Colchester fly-half Alex Peterson received a good pass to run between defenders to give the home side a slight advantage at the interval (Peterson converting the try himself).
Half Time: Colchester 12 Braintree 5

Colchester's play improved a little during the second half and soon good interchanging work between forwards and backs gave second row Henry Williams the opportunity to cross to extend the lead (unconverted). To their credit, Braintree did not become disheartened and camped themselves within Colchester's 22 for some time; the home side's defensive efforts achieving a yellow card from the referee which increased the pressure on the defence. However, shortly afterwards, captain Farouk Wingfield picked up a pass and raced away from inside his own half, beating defenders to score the try of the game from long range (unconverted). Back came Braintree who again utilised their forwards to good effect to reduce the deficit, but the final say was had by wing Roper; who was on the end of a fine passing backline move to seal the victory more-or-less on full time.
Full Time: Colchester 27 Braintree 10