Colchester scored eight tries to secure their hat trick of wins in a thrilling bonus point victory over plucky visitors Wimbledon. Both teams contributed fast and open play in a game averaging more than a point a minute in an exciting advertisement for rugby that was a treat for the large Mill Road crowd.

Playing with an assured confidence that has grown with recent wins, the Colchester team moved the ball in forward and back combinations. Dominating scrums, Colchester’s pack made hard yards with pick-and-go attacks that drew in defenders to create gaps that were exploited by their quicksilver backs.

Wimbledon played an expansive game, their fast paced backs running varied attacking lines supported by capable forwards who retained possession in a never-say-die team performance that earned a bonus point for their five tries.

Attacking from the kick-off, centre Calum Irvine breached the Wimbledon defence to set wing Owen Herbert racing in the first try. From the restart, Colchester’s Mitchell brothers James and Alex led the pack rumbling forward in a 20 metre drive pressing Wimbledon into conceding a penalty that flyhalf David Higgins’ kick turned into three points.

Keeping the ball in hand, Wimbledon wove upfield for a well taken team try finished by flanker Mark Scott, fullback Neil Hallett adding the conversion.

Higgins hoofed the restart back to the Wimbledon line, Colchester forwards disrupted Wimbledon possession until skipper Liam Pickett pounced on loose ball for a try. Hallett converted a Wimbledon penalty before a hasty Colchester clearance kick was charged down and wing Josh Charles crossed to put the visitors in the lead 13:15.

Unperturbed, Colchester retook their restart and flanker Ben Murphy was driven to the Wimbledon line before scrumhalf Brett Cutbush sped the ball wide for wing James Crozier to race in a try, his conversion attempt rebounding off an upright. Murphy’s own try soon followed as his pack drove him over the Wimbledon line, Crozier adding the conversion for the 25:15 halftime lead.

Pressing from the restart, Colchester flanker Oly Pickett’s tough tackle dislodged ball that was seized by hooker Charlie Thorogood who linked with veteran lock Lee Soper and flanker Joe Flexman to drive upfield. Retreating Wimbledon players’ were penalised for offside and punished by Crozier’s kick.

Wimbledon rebounded, pressing Colchester into conceding penalties and position before centre Noah Jarvis touched down, Hallet converting to reduce the deficit to 28:22.

Ding followed dong as Colchester pressure forced Wimbledon into a clearance kick which centre Matt Smith charged down and gathered to score a try to extend the Colchester lead. Smith then turned provider with a long pass releasing wing Damien Brambley to run in a try before Herbert added his second racing onto Crozier’s deft chip kick.

Wimbledon rallied again, Colchester conceding penalties and ground. The hard working Hallett caught a crossfield kick a try he converted before lock Campbell Tait’s forward drive touchdown.

Colchester had the last laugh with Brambley’s second try after sweeping upfield exchanging passes with Herbert for the 48:34 final score. Colchester’s latest league win sees them move up a place in National League 3, leapfrogging Bracknell – who they play away next week.

Gary Griffiths