Colchester draw with Westcliff

Again struggling with player numbers, Colchester Colts hosted their counterparts from Westcliff in a closely fought and competitive friendly fixture. With both sides struggling to play consistently fluid rugby, try scoring opportunities were limited as the game was punctuated with errors and infringements. The game was played over 4 x 20 minute periods to allow frequent coaching opportunities and player rotation.

Colchester had much the better of the opening exchanges and had an early try in the corner disallowed for an off the ball infringement. Subsequent pressure by the home side saw back row Stefan Georgiou exploit a gap to score under the posts. Unfortunately, soon afterwards Westcliff had a player sent off for foul and abusive language directed towards the referee; but in the spirit of the game, the player was replaced at the break to allow a 15-a-side game to continue. The second period was mainly played within Westcliff territory. Winger Will Allen was unfortunate to be tackled just short before winger Chris Goate found himself at the end of Colchester's best passage of back line play to score a fine try in the corner (unconverted). Failure to kick-off the required 10 meters put the home side under immediate pressure in the third period. A Westcliff penalty chance was missed before Colchester were penalised for bringing down a maul close to the line (a yellow card being afforded to the offending Colchester player). The Westcliff forwards took advantage and scored a close range try soon afterwards and subsequent good work by the away side levelled the scores a few minutes later after another penalty was conceded by Colchester. Winger Adam Siddle was convinced he had scored from long range just before the interval but he was judged to have put his foot on the touchline when breaking away from half way. The final period saw action at both ends of the pitch. Colchester full back Jack O'Sullivan was prevented from scoring by a good tackle and a good chip over the top was well defended by the Westcliff defence. Colchester had to defend on their own line was the last few minutes before clearing to touch; the final score of 12-12 perhaps being a fair reflection of the game.

Colchester coaches Dean Tully and Sean O'Sullivan were upbeat after the game saying "There were lots of positives today. The scrum was outstanding in holding up and pushing back larger opponents and all of the players today stepped up and put in a shift for the team. This was a collective team effort; there are some things to work on but the way in which the lads handled themselves bodes well as we progress through the season."