Colchester Colts defeat Southwold

In very cold and windy conditions at Mill Road, Colchester entertained Southwold in a tightly fought and occasionally fractious encounter. Emerging victorious; the result was based on solid defence and more effective use of the back line than their opponents.

Colchester opened strongly with the impressive home winger Ollie Eves demonstrating his pace to twice run in from the wing after good structured play; both scores being converted by centre Rhys Smith. (14-0) With the larger Southwold pack having the better of the scrum, play was then concentrated within Colchester territory for a good period with the home side showing terrific determination on their own line to repel the away side's consistent forward carries (second row Nathan Linscott impressing here). After earning a well deserved penalty, play was moved upfield from where prop Finlay Nuttall found his way over from close range to extend the lead (19-0) before Eves was on hand again to touch down after line break from Smith gave him the opportunity (26-0). To their credit, Southwold were not down beat and, playing to their strengths, used their forwards to drive over just before half time. (26-5) The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with the home side enjoying slightly better possession and territory. With Colchester trying to use the backline whenever possible, centre Jonah Varela took advantage to skip his way in for two tries in fairly quick succession, the scores separated by a penalty chance from Smith. (43-5) Again, back came Southwold who scored a fine try when the lively centre ran around the Colchester defence to score in the corner. The final word however was had by Colchester with a fine individual score from Smith, who kicked ahead and somehow was able to retrieve the bouncing ball and force his way over. (48-10)

Colts Manager Paul Mills was pleased with how the team played, saying "This was a very good team performance with every player contributing their part. Credit to both players and coaches for the display; there are stills areas for improvement, but the squad is coming together nicely for the upcoming Cup games."