1st XV
Matches
Sat 03 Feb 2018  ·  London 1 North
Colchester RFC
1st XV
59
19
Ruislip
Colchester 1st XV 59 | 19 Ruislip RFC

Colchester 1st XV 59 | 19 Ruislip RFC

Laura Parker4 Feb 2018 - 12:33
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Revenge was sweet for Colchester as they convincingly beat visitors Ruislip reversing the result of the disappointing loss earlier in the season and maintaining their unbeaten home record.

The Blacks fielded an unchanged starting line-up aided by the good play of substitutes Rhys Hartley, Lewis Williams and Joe Beckett in the second half.

In calm and cloudy conditions the visitors kicked off and were immediately under pressure from a buoyant Colchester who relish playing on the excellent Mill Road pitch. Before long the Ruislip fly half kicked deep to fullback Will Brown who came back at pace, linked with wing James Crozier who deftly kicked the ball into Ruislip’s half. Winning the resultant ruck, scrum-half Brett Cutbush released flanker Dan Whiteman who raced over for a try giving Colchester an early lead of 7-0.

Not to be outdone Ruislip came back minutes later and won a penalty which was kicked to touch in the corner. From their lineout, they used the catch and drive tactic to put their tighthead prop over for a try levelling the score at 7-7.

Fly-half Jack White restarted for the Blacks and good work by Man-of-the-Match No 8 Harrison Pickett aided by Brown put lock Joe Colcomb over for a fine try. 14-7 and this time Colchester didn’t let Ruislip back as they went on to score three more tries in the rest of the half. Firstly right wing Dave Brennan assisted centre Jona Crisp who cut through the defence and then Harrison Pickett claimed two scores by virtue of his uncompromising straight running into contact as he lead the Black pack forward.

At the interval, Colchester were 35-7 ahead and there was to be no let-up in their efforts in the second half. Shortly after play resumed centre Joe Flexman kicked Colchester into an attacking position and again Brown linked with Crozier for him to go over in the corner.

When play resumed, the alert Flexman intercepted a move by the Ruislip backs and ran forty metres to score under the posts. In the elation that followed the Blacks dropped their guard and Ruislip’s fly-half did a copycat interception to score a try at the other end.

This success against the run of play seemed to rouse Ruislip and before long they were back near Colchester’s line, won their lineout and drove their loosehead prop over for a good forwards’ try.

This resurgence was short lived as Colchester came back at them from the restart. White’s kick was skilfully caught by Crozier, the ball was moved amongst the charging forwards and flanker Ollie Pickett dived over for an excellent try. The score was now 54-19 and referee Richard Haughton, who was having a good game, indicated that time was almost up. Just as he had opened the scoring, Whiteman closed proceedings with a last-minute score in the corner and the home supporters cheered this great team victory.

Steve Whiteman

Match details

Match date

Sat 03 Feb 2018

Kickoff

15:00

Competition

London 1 North

League position

4
Colchester
11
Ruislip
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Primary Club Partner - SRC Group
Primary Club Partner - Whitehall Resources
Platinum Partner - The Dental Studio
Platinum Partner - Libre Solutions
Platinum Partner - Oakheart Property
Platinum Partner - Red Rock Property Management
Premier Mini Partner - St Joseph's College
Gym Sponsor - Rebel Strengh
Shop Partner - RBX
Kit Partner - STC Teamwear