Colchester Colts edge a tight game against Cambridge

Colchester entertained their counterparts from Cambridge and what followed was a very closely fought, competitive encounter that, based on their improved second half showing, the away side may consider themselves unfortunate not to have been closer to winning the game. Both sides were good at the breakdown and both showed flashes of very good backline play; the difference in the first half being the stronger Colchester scrum, this being nullified in the second half as Cambridge upped their game.

After some early Cambridge pressure, Colchester eased themselves into the game with second row Ben Brown and number 8 Elliott Adams leading by example. A turnover scrum released quick ball for winger Ollie Eves to shrug off a couple of challenges to run under the posts from beyond halfway to open the scoring. (7-0) Cambridge then enjoyed some possession and territory of their own and drew 3 penalties in quick succession from the home side; the ongoing pressure resulting in a close range score for the Cambridge forwards. (7-5) Back came Colchester and having achieved a 5m scrum, back row Tom Holden drove over to extend the lead (12-5) before winger Jonah Varela exploited a gap on the outside to run in at the corner just before half time. (17-5)
Half Time: Colchester 17 Cambridge 5

Perhaps taking Colchester by surprise, Cambridge emerged for the second half rejuvenated with a much more competitive scrum and a more threatening backline. After spending some time in Colchester territory, and despite some stout home defence, Cambridge reduced the areas with a fine backs try out wide. (17-10) The home responded soon afterwards; a terrific kick from full back Kit Welch was chased down by winger Varela forcing the scampering Cambridge defence to concede a 5m line-out. From the resulting play, fly half Sam Borges changed the direction neatly to put prop (and captain) Finn Nuttall in at the corner. (22-10) The see-saw game continued with Cambridge again threatening and scoring a close range try in the corner (22-15) to bring the match back to a one score game. A missed Colchester penalty chance could have proven costly as Cambridge continued to threaten but Colchester held on to achieve a hard earned victory.
Full Time: Colchester 22 Cambridge 15