Disappointing Loss in National Cup

Colchester entertained their Essex rivals Brentwood in the second round of the Colts National Cup and what followed was a closely fought encounter in which the away side had the better of the possession and territory throughout the game. Colchester worked hard but struggled to get their backline working effectively and were hampered by some handling errors during the game. However, credit must go the Brentwood side who, on the balance of play, deserved to win the match and progress to the next round.

Much of the first half was disrupted by knock-ons and penalties being conceded by both sides. Early Brentwood pressure earned a penalty chance which was converted from in front of the posts. Shortly afterwards, Colchester earned themselves a kickable penalty of their own but opted to kick for touch instead. Unfortunately, the home maul was turned over and the opportunity was lost. Brentwood then looked to take advantage by using their lively backs and larger forwards to good effect. Just as the away side's efforts seemed to be proving decisive, a break from outside centre Fawaz Olabooye almost led to a try but he was held just short; however scrum half Lewis Williams dived over from the subsequent ruck to give the home side the lead (conversion missed). Ongoing hard work by Colchester in the tackle and in the loose served to frustrate the Brentwood side but as the half came to a close, some quick ball allowed the away side's backs to work an overlap and score in the corner (conversion missed).
Half Time: Colchester 5 Brentwood 8
Colchester enjoyed some early possession in the second period and an energetic break from hooker Matt Hexley moved play to halfway. A subsequent high tackle led to a sin-bin for a Brentwood player but unfortunately the home side was unable to capitalise on this advantage due to robust defence from the away side; the closest Colchester coming to a score coming when captain Dan Harding was held up just short. As the second period progressed, Brentwood began to have much the better of things and exerted ongoing pressure within the Colchester 22. An away kickable penalty chance was missed and the home side had to defend a number of scrums and penalties close to their own line before the pressure was temporarily released by a breakout from winger Josh Harvey. However, Colchester's chances were hampered when a high tackle was punished with a yellow card and shortly afterwards the Brentwood backs found a way into the corner to extend the lead (conversion missed). To the away side's credit, Colchester were unable to create another clear cut opportunity to score and a further unconverted try at the end of the game secured the victory for Brentwood.
Full Time: Colchester 5 Brentwood 18