In what was an extremely competitive and closely fought game of rugby, Colchester and Cambridge played out a 22-point each draw in the Colts Eastern Counties Cup semi-final. Unfortunately for the home side, it will be Cambridge who progress into the final based on the "away side wins if it is a draw" rule.

Cambridge took advantage of a slow Colchester start to have much the better of the opening period. Despite tries from full back Owen Cowley and winger Josh Harvey, Cambridge led at the break 17-12. A further Cambridge score in the second period seemed to have put the game beyond Colchester, but to their great credit the home side showed great resolve to get themselves back into the match. A second try from Harvey and another from centre Francois Rossouw equalised the scores as the game moved towards its conclusion. In a frantic and tense last 10 minutes, Cambridge did well to keep the ball in Colchester territory but with the last play of the game, Colchester earned themselves a long range penalty chance. However, a serious injury to a Cambridge player held up proceedings and required the match to be moved to the adjacent pitch. Unfortunately, because of the prevailing wind direction and the different rotation of the new pitch, the penalty was reviewed to a scrum and further exemplary defence from Cambridge secured the draw for the away side.

Very well done to Cambridge and all at Colchester wish them well in the final. Colchester Colts also wish the injured Cambridge player a speedy recovery.

Coaches Steve Wright and Dean Tully, whilst disappointed at not progressing, were pragmatic, saying: "The club and coaching team are hugely proud of what the players brought to the game today. Every player should be very proud of how they performed. There are still more games to come and we must maintain the same degree of competitiveness and intensity until the end of the season".