Colchester Colts defeat Dartfordians Colts

Colchester welcomed Dartfordians Colts to Mill Road for their first fixture of the 2016/17 season. Played in a friendly training game format over 5 x 15-20minute periods, and with both sides having 30 or so players available, this was an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess player potential and to observe their new Colts in action for the first time. The game was notable for number of very encouraging performances from players new to the Colchester Colts squad; and a mention must go to Will Allen for deputising very well at scrum half in the absence of more experienced colleagues in the role. Many thanks to Dartfordians for making the journey and all at Colchester wish them well for the coming season.

Period One
Taking possession immediately from a Dartfordians infringement at kick-off, Colchester took control of ball possession and had much the better of the opening exchanges. Following sustained pressure within Dartfordians territory, and after some great interchanging between forwards and backs, centre Will Blakemore powered over for the first try of the game. Winger Alfie Burchall was then on the end of a very fast Colchester backline break from well within their own half, using his speed to run round under the posts for an excellent team score.
Score: Colchester 14 Dartfordians 0

Period Two
A similar pattern of play followed in the second period. Blakemore used his strength to evade tackers on his way over before centre Rhys Brough powered his way to the line from close range. Perhaps the highlight of the game then followed when speedy Colchester winger Craig Doran was very unfortunate to somehow trip over when racing clear along the touchline; a certain score being missed in the process.
Score: Colchester 17 Dartfordians 0

Period Three
Jordan Kerr further extended Colchester's lead when he powered his way over from close range but from this point, it was the away side who had much the better of territory and possession. Using their forwards to good effect, a close range try was touched down in the corner which was very well converted from out wide to give Dartfordians their only score of the game.
Score: Colchester 7 Dartfordians 7

Period Four
The home side responded in the fourth period and exerted early pressure on the Dartfordians line. A hurried defensive kick was well caught by full-back Jack O'Sullivan who used his pace to run the ball back for an individual score. Further Colchester pressure resulted in a second misplaced Dartfordians kick which went straight to centre Blakemore who gratefully accepted the chance to claim his hat-trick. Scrum half Will Allen then picked the ball up from the base of a ruck to scamper his way over from close range to further extend the lead.
Score: Colchester 17 Dartfordians 0

Period Five
As the game came to a close, the home side's fitness showed itself as a further three tries were scored. A very good pass from centre Laren Roper released Burchall to run in for his second score; number 8 and captain Troy Palmer then burst away from half way for a try; before full-back O'Sullivan completed the scoring in the corner just on full time.
Score: Colchester 17 Dartfordians 0

Colchester Colts Coach Dean Tully was very encouraged by the performance, saying: "this was a good workout and the squad has made a positive transition from the training pitch to competitive game play. In this very early stage of the season, there are obviously still lots of aspects of our game to work on, and with some players still to return, the early signs are good for the season ahead."