Colchester Colts win Eastern Counties Plate

Colchester Squad: Ben Ainsley, Jack Wilson, Nathan Linscott, Ben Brown, Sam Andrews, Zak Keeley, Cam Dix, Finn Nuttall (captain), Ewan Wtaers, Jack Light, Ben Simpson, Kit Welch, Alex Gerrard, Callum Trevers, Sam Borges, Enzo Mcintyre, Morgan Handel, Ollie Eves (vice captain), Haseem Wingfied, James Pegler, Luke Smith, Conall Corcoran

Colchester Colts made the long journey to West Norfolk Rugby Club to contest the Eastern Counties Plate final and emerged victorious after a fiercely contested match played in very good spirit. Every Colchester player who pulled on the shirt today can be extremely proud of their performance and of that of their team; but special thanks must also go to under 16s players Jack Light and Alex Gerrard for assisting the squad and playing their full part in achieving the win.

The effects of the long coach journey were apparent as Colchester fell behind to a converted score almost immediately after the kick-off having not had the ball in hand; West Norfolk recycling the ball effectively and moving forward with purpose to score after only 2 minutes (7-0). An unfortunate knee injury to flanker Zak Keeley could have further hampered the away side but Colchester were quick to respond with centre Gerrard forcing his way over from close range shortly afterwards. (7-5) An unfortunate yellow card for second row Ben Brown allowed West Norfolk some territory and possession but an excellent break from winger Ben Simpson created the opportunity for flanker Cameron Dix to give Colchester the lead (7-10). As the first half progressed, West Norfolk developed more into the game and utilising their nippy back line began to exploit some holes in the Colchester defence. A close range try out wide (12-10) was quickly followed by two backs scores as the home side threatened to run away with the game (24-10). To their immense credit, Colchester gathered themselves and centre Kit Welch burst through the line at pace to reduce the deficit (24-15) before full back Sam Borges rounded off a fine Colchester break after man-of-the-match replacement Enzo McIntyre threw of tackles to create the opportunity. (24-22) This was an excellent half of entertaining rugby that demonstrated the attacking intent of both sides.
Half Time: West Norfolk 24 Colchester 22

After the half time pep talk from the coaches, Colchester showed their intent immediately from the off in the second period and subsequently enjoyed much the better of territory and field position. Ongoing Colchester pressure led to scrum half Ewan Waters diving over from close range to allow Colchester to retake the lead (24-27) before West Norfolk again responded in quick succession with a converted score under the posts (31-27). Colchester pressed and pressed but could not find the opening due to robust West Norfolk defence and having one excellent try scoring opportunity denied for play being brought back for a Colchester scrum. It looked as it wasn't going to be Colchester's day when with the last play of the game, replacement hooker Conall Corcoran and his fellow forwards, turned over a West Norfolk scrum; the subsequent quick ball giving winger Simpson the chance to dive over to the delight of Colchester players, coaches and supporters (34-31)
Full Time: West Norfolk 31 Colchester 34