On a crisp but blustery afternoon Colchester touched down in the Channel Islands for the second meeting this year with Guernsey RFC. The two sides first met in August for the preseason preparation, but this time the result mattered and with Colchester still looking for a recent win the pressure was on.

O’Riordan’s men started well, working hard in defence to quash Guernsey’s many threats to their try line, with prop forward James Mitchell tirelessly pushing back the attackers. Colchester’s scrum struggled to settle in the first 20 minutes resulting in a couple of penalties which Guernsey eventually worked to their advantage, scoring the first try of the game off the back of a collapsed scrum. The conversion swirled in the wind and missed the posts starting the score off Guernsey 5, Colchester 0.

Colchester were quick with their response; winning the restart and playing the expansive rugby they’ve been searching for in recent games. Ed Parry working well at scrum half the boys in black played quick ball, outwitting their opponents and finding the overlap which saw Jaid Wiltshire shoot over the try line. With David Higgins unavailable for the game, James Crozier stepped up the tee and secured Colchester the extra points pushing them in-front, the visitors now leading 5-7.

For the remainder of the 1st half Colchester’s discipline let them down; giving away needless penalties, one of which Guernsey slotted through the posts to put them back in front, Guernsey 8, Colchester 7. The ill-discipline continued and as a result Ben Murphy and Calum Irvine, who returned for the first time this season, were both sent to the sinbin in quick succession. Now down to 13 men Colchester had to work even harder, bringing on Jerone Awesu to help thwart the home team’s attack, but eventually Guernsey were too strong and inevitably scored their second try of the game. This time the conversion was successful and Guernsey pushed their lead further 15-7.

Not to be disheartened Colchester never gave up their attack and continued to put pressure on the home side which paid off earning them another penalty, Crozier did well to contend with the gusty winds and gave Colchester the 3 points, making the half time score 15-10.

Returning to the field a full squad Colchester looked strong; Damien Brambley effective at organising the back line attack and never failing to propel his team forward by dodging past defenders and making metres. Colchester’s attack was momentarily put on hold after a high tackle left Jaid Wiltshire out for the rest of the game and Owen Herbert was on the pitch to replace him. With no side appearing the stronger, the game fluxed from one end to the other, each team unable to finish off the job and get points on the board. This continued for the majority of the second half until a rare fumble from Colchester in their own 22 allowed Guernsey to scoop up the loose ball and work it down the line to score in the corner. This was skilfully converted and Guernsey furthered their lead, 22-10.

Colchester needed another score to earn themselves at least a losing bonus point and they drafted in Jona Crisp to help aid the attack. Colchester’s efforts were substantial, with Oliver Pickett strong in attack, never failing to cross the gain line but time was not on the visitor’s side and the final whistle blew , leaving the final score 22-10.

Colchester can walk away from this game knowing their attacking game is gaining momentum, Brambley and Crozier looking particularly threatening. With both sides fairly evenly matched it was ill discipline that was Colchester’s ultimate demise, something that can easily be put right before their final game of 2015 at London Irish next weekend.