Mixed Colts side defeated by Brentwood

A very mixed Colchester side, containing an equal spread of Academy and Development players, entertained Brentwood in a friendly encounter at Mill Road. With the near full strength Brentwood side using the fixture as a warm up for their National Cup semi-final next Sunday, this was always going to be a difficult game for Colchester and so it proved as the visitors ran in seven unanswered tries throughout the match. Colchester battled hard throughout the game but struggled to contain their older and more physical opponents.

The game started badly for the home side as uncertainty and poor tackling allowed Brentwood to score two very early scores. After these initial setbacks, Colchester managed to get some foothold in the game but only seriously threatened the opposition try line from one positive passage of play. With flanker Henry Hayes-Burt having a stand-out game and driven on by captain Dan Harding, Colchester were forced to defend within their own territory for long periods and held up two Brentwood chances when it looked easier for the away side to score. As the half came to a close, Brentwood's pressure earned the reward it deserved when turnover ball released their lively backline to score in the corner.
Half Time: Colchester 0 Brentwood 17

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with most of the game taking place within Colchester territory. A very early Colchester knock-on gifted possession to Brentwood who took full advantage to score in the corner to extend the lead. Despite their best efforts, the spirited Colchester team could not find a way to break through the firm Brentwood defence and further away scores arrived from a Colchester missed tackle and turnover scrum close to the home try line. With the final play of the game, a breakaway score from half way sealed the Brentwood victory.
Final Score: Colchester 0 Brentwood 39

Well played to Brentwood and all at Colchester wish them well in their National Cup semi-final.

Coach Dean Tully, whilst disappointed with the result, could see the positives in the Colchester performance, saying: "The lads never gave up in difficult circumstances. The squad was playing very good opposition who deserved their victory, but Colchester can take heart from the spirit shown throughout the game and the quality of their defence shown. The players can always learn and develop from playing against stronger teams, and this was the case today."