Colts earn hard fought draw against Westcliff

Many thanks to Westcliff for agreeing to this fixture at relatively short notice. What followed was a competitive game that both teams will feel that they should have/could have won; a draw probably being the right result at the end. Colchester showed much improved structure compared to previous weeks (especially in the first half) but were made to work hard to share the spoils in the second period.

An encouraging opening saw Colchester centre Brandon Regden take advantage of turnover ball to open the scoring; the try being converted by fly half Sam Borges. (7-0) The larger Westcliff team immediately responded, putting together several phases which resulted in a close range score out wide shortly afterwards. The only other score of the closely fought opening half came when Colchester winger Luke Smith scored in the corner after some impressive interchanging between the forwards and backs.
Half Time: Colchester 12 Westcliff 5

The second period was equally as competitive as the first. Colchester winger Ollie Eves showed his pace when racing down the line to touch down in the corner; extending Colchester's lead (17-5) before his opposite number replicated his efforts to bring the away side back into contention. (17-10) Some useful Colchester pressure then created a terrific opportunity but a 3-on-1 overlap was lost after a dropped ball and the chance was gone. Westcliff took advantage of this let-off and scored two tries in quick succession; both very similar in nature. Some inadequate Colchester tackling in midfield allowed the away side's strong runners to break through too easily to put Westcliff into the lead. (17-22) To their credit, Colchester continued battling and centre Regden again crossed for the equalising score right on full time. (22-22)
Full Time: Colchester 22 Westcliff 22