It was a bitter cold, wet day at Mill Road but this did not deter Colchester’s pack from dominating the scrum throughout the game despite the fact that they had the wind against them in the first half. Within the first ten minutes, three scrums were awarded and Colchester pushed their opponents back every time. Eventually, Sudbury were awarded a penalty for a crossing infringement by Colchester, which resulted in the visitors scoring their only points.

From the restart Colchester were awarded a penalty, Higgins kicked for the line which led to a successful lineout and from the ensuing surge by Colchester, number 8 Brock Price scored the first of his three tries; Colchester 7 Sudbury 3.

The Colchester pack continued to impact throughout the play with both prop James Mitchell and flanker Dan Whiteman working hard for the ball during a passage of play which led to a Colchester penalty. The maul which resulted moved inexorably towards Sudbury’s line but a Colchester infringement led to another Sudbury penalty, however, the visitors failed to take any further points; in fact the botched kick by Sudbury led to a great run by scrum-half Brett Cutbush but the slippery ball led to a mishandled pass and a Sudbury scrum.

Once again Colchester won the scrum and following some great running by wing Dave Brennan and centre Damien Bramley the ball found its way to Brock Price and Colchester celebrated his second try. Colchester 12 Sudbury 3. From the restart, Colchester had a great period of attacking play leading to a converted try by prop James Mitchell just before halftime. Colchester 19 Sudbury 3.

With the second half, the weather deteriorated but not Colchester’s determination to please the home crowd who had braved the elements. Colchester dominated the play and thought they had scored but the referee deemed the ball to be held up. The ensuing scrum led to a score for the bonus point try by Brett Cutbush. Colchester 26 Sudbury 3.

From the restart, Danny Whiteman moved the play forward resulting in a precision kick by man of the match David Higgins. From the line out a series of scrums and further line outs ensued which Colchester eventually turned to a score for an unconverted third try from Brock Price. Colchester 31 Sudbury 3.

At this point the coaches brought on Rhys Hartley for Dan Brennan, Ollie White for Brock Price and Matt Wadling for Brett Cutbush; this new boost of energy kept Colchester in a commanding position leading to a great interception by newcomer Kevin Tavainavesi, playing in the centre, who went over for Colchester’s final try giving a final score of Colchester 38 Sudbury 3.

Colchester will restart their promotion campaign on January 5th when they play away from home at Ruislip.

Maggie Whiteman