Colchester Colts stun West Norfolk

Colchester Colts produced a memorable performance in the snow and slush to overcome West Norfolk (just) in the second round of Eastern Counties Cup fixtures. Putting behind them the heavy defeat at Woodbridge the week earlier, the home side produced a performance full of endeavour, effort and teamwork; and all 20 players on show should rightly be proud both of the result and how it was achieved. Inspired by captain Sam Lines and bolstered by the return of centre Rhys Smith and wing James Patis, Colchester competed well in the tackle and were more effective in the backs, which perhaps was the ultimate difference between the two sides.

Colchester were very slow out of the blocks and conceded the first score without having possession of the rugby ball; the away forwards taking advantage of some hesitant defending to take an early lead. Very pleasingly, Colchester responded very positively and subsequently kept West Norfolk pinned in their half for significant periods. Some quick hands allowed full back Ben Simpson the space to dive over in the corner (5-5) before some further inventive play was only thwarted by excellent defending on their own line by West Norfolk. As the half drew to a close, centre Tom Coates ran a great line and showed strength to hold off tacklers before diving over to give Colchester the lead (try converted by Smith: 12-5).
Half Time: Colchester 12 West Norfolk 5

Colchester started the second half well and earned themselves a couple of penalties close to the West Norfolk line. Unable to break through, the sensible option was taken and Smith slotted the 3 points (15-5). This score seemed to rejuvenate West Norfolk who then put together a sustained period of pressure within Colchester territory. Trying to get the ball to safety, a Colchester prop (who shall remain nameless) had an attempted kick charged down which resulted in a West Norfolk score (15-10). Now becoming an end-to-end game, Colchester again extended the lead through Smith's close range score, but as the match came to a close, West Norfolk reduced proceedings to a 3-point game with a good try by their nippy centre. A very nervous last few minutes within the Colchester 22 was ended by a West Norfolk knock-on - a great game of rugby played in great spirit in very challenging conditions.
Full Time: Colchester 20 West Norfolk 17