Colchester too strong for Hadleigh

Colchester entertained Hadleigh in this friendly fixture at Mill Road and ran out fairly comfortable winners in a match played over two shortened periods. Many thanks to Colchester's Archie Anbouche, Joe Boone, Ewan Waters and Adam Siddle for spending some time playing for the opposition.

It was Hadleigh who had the better of the opening exchanges, taking advantage of 5-6 quick Colchester errors and infringements to move the ball almost the length of the field to open the scoring in the corner (0-5). The home side quickly regrouped and with their first real attacking opportunity, some quick backline ball movement released full back Ollie Eves who dived over in the corner (5-5). Colchester extended their lead when a great burst forward and off-load by Adam Siddle gave the supporting number 8 Sam Lines the space to race in under the posts (12-5).
Half Time: Colchester 12 Hadleigh 5

Colchester enjoyed much the better of things in the second period; spending most of the time within Hadleigh territory. Good backline work gave winger Ben Simpson the opportunity of diving over in the corner, the try being very well converted from the touchline by fly half Jonah Varela (19-5). An unfortunate knock-on just on the Hadleigh try line prevented another home score before winger Archie Anbouche returned a clearing kick with interest, linking past a number of defenders on his way to the line (24-5). Colchester's better ball handling then released speedy Eves again to touch down in the corner before, with virtually the last play of the game, prop Finlay Nuttall crossed from close range to complete the scoring (34-5).
Full Time: Colchester 34 Hadleigh 5

Colchester coach Sean was encouraged by the performance, saying: "after the last two results, this was an improved performance and the coaches have had a further opportunity to look at players. The opposition gave us a good test of our defence and it was rewarding that we limited the opposition's attacking threat."