Colchester gave their all but could not overcome an experienced Hertford side in a game spoiled for both teams by an outbreak of yellow fever. The referee’s use of yellow cards and lengthy lectures disrupted play in a game with no foul play by either team, drawing puzzled looks from both teams and groans from bewildered spectators.

Colchester’s possession and position were not reflected on the scoreboard at a time when relegation threatens and points are precious. Skipper Liam Pickett once more led by example, dominating the lineout with support from veteran lock Eli Castle and flanker Rob Pickard.

Hertford started the game fourth in the league and were determined to put on a good performance at home after indifferent recent form.

The Hertford pack settled more quickly than their visitors who conceded a scrum penalty, converted into three points by home flyhalf Ben Lloyd. Colchester responded by driving to the Hertford line where handling in a ruck cost the hosts a penalty that James Crozier kicked to level the scores.

A high tackle earned Hertford flanker and skipper Josh Corcoran the first yellow card. Colchester continued to press, not releasing earning another penalty Crozier kicked to put them ahead. A break by Brett Cuttbush set prop Jerone Awesu racing upfield, Colchester threatening to extend their lead. Eli Castle was felled by a high tackle, the referee raising an arm to indicate a penalty but allowing play to continue until Colchester were penalized for handling on the floor – the dangerous high tackle of seconds before forgotten. Hertford kicked the penalty to the corner, a lineout win leading to a try for flanker Chris Joannu.

Colchester replacement flanker Alex Rayment came on whilst hard tackling Joe Flexman received treatment – only to be yellow carded on his first contact for not releasing. Hertford used their man advantage to good effect, wing Michael Allan scoring a try Elliott converted for the halftime 20:6 lead.

An unfortunate Colchester knock on from the restart kick gifted Hertford field position, a series of driving scrums ending with a pushover try grounded by No. 8 Dave Archer.

Colchester rallied and went on to dominate possession and position for the majority of the second half.

The Colchester pack rumbled forward in a series of pick and go drives, forcing their way to their opponent’s tryline where wing Jordan Fenton crossed out wide for a try.

Hertford struggled to prevent quick ball – leading to rash of yellow cards. Archer was quickly followed by lock Jack Elston, prop Sam Pacey and Colchester counterpart, Alfie Walsh. Four shared the sin-bin at the same time.

Lectures, scrum resets and penalties interrupted play as Hertford doggedly defended to keep Colchester out.

Cuttbush’s quick thinking ended Colchester frustration with a hoisted kick to the corner where fullback Damien Brambley plucked the ball out of the air to score.

Crozier’s conversion ended the scoring, leaving Colchester to reflect on what could have been.

Gary Griffiths, Colchester RFC