Colchester defeat Ipswich

Colchester emerged victorious in this close encounter with local rivals Ipswich. A strong wind affected both sides but the main difference was the backline play of Colchester; full back Josh Harvey regularly broke the line with fly half Dan Harding breaking tackles and releasing his centres at every opportunity.

After a close opening period, Colchester number 8 Henry Davetanivalu opened the scoring in the corner after a terrific burst forward from Harvey moved play from halfway to the Ipswich line (conversion missed). After an Ipswich penalty chance was missed, the away side responded with an unconverted try of their own, coming from a line out close to the Colchester line. Utilising the quick ball being provided by the forward pack, Colchester upped their game and second row James Simpson rounded off some fine backline interchanging to allow the home side to regain the lead (conversion missed). More expansive play from Colchester released winger James Bond who was tackled just short but Harding was on hand to dive over to extend the lead (try unconverted). Ipswich refused to be disheartened and responded, capitalising on some Colchester indiscipline to reduce the deficit with two penalty kicks. Just before half time, Harvey touched down under the posts after some quick ball movement along the line created space for an overlap.
Half Time: Colchester 22 Ipswich 11
Shortly after the restart, winger Jack O'Sullivan was unfortunate to see a try disallowed for a knock-on while grounding the ball; but from the subsequent scrum, the ball was turned over and number 8 Davetanivalu picked up and drove over to extend the home side's advantage (try unconverted). Playing with the wind in the second half, Colchester continued to enjoy much the better of territory and possession and winger Will Allen took advantage of some good ball to dive over in the corner for another unconverted home score. However, much credit must go to the Ipswich team who refused to give up and continued to fight and play their rugby. A close range try reduced the deficit and the away side were well worthy of their third try just before the end of the match.
A well contested game of rugby, to which each side equally contributed.
Full Time: Colchester 32 Ipswich 21