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Sat 13 Dec 2014 · London 1 North
Chingford
1st XV
17
23
Tries: H Gozzett, J CrozierConversions: D Higgins (2)Penalties: D Higgins (3)
Chingford 17 - 23 Colchester
Patrick Duffy14 Dec 2014 - 19:51
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Colchester remain top of the table and the half way stage
Report: Gary Griffiths
Colchester had a muddy workout to win this top of the table clash against a game Chingford side to continue to lead London North League Division One at the halfway stage in the league season. Chingford defended their home honour with grit and determination but the Colchester team played with flair and spirit to lead from the start.
Days of rain had left standing water on the main Chingford pitch forcing the move to another field ruled playable despite the muddy surface - which was to play a significant part in the game.
Colchester dominated possession and position for most of the game, their forwards controlling the scrums and winning turnover ball at key moments - including for both tries. Chingford defended doggedly throughout, limiting the visitors to their first non-bonus point win in a dozen games.
Chingford exploited Colchester fumbles and penalties, the home pack adapting to the conditions through pick-and-go attacks to rumble around the muddy field. Chingford flanker Luke Campbell was outstanding in both defence and attack, excelling in a man-of-the-match performance.
The visitors got off to a good start. Skipper Calum Irvine’s well crafted grubber kick took play to within five metres of the Chingford line where Colchester challenged the home side’s lineout throw. The ball scruffily tapped into space. Colchester’s young flanker Harry Gozzett was quickest to react, pouncing on the loose ball for the opening try on three minutes. Flyhalf David Higgins added the conversion from near the touchline.
An offside penalty enabled Chingford to kick near the Colchester line but the lineout was stolen by Colchester number eight James McRae. Colchester worked their way upfield where Chingford were penalised for offside, Higgins converting the 35 metre penalty into three points.
The conditions now came to the aid of the home side. Dependable Colchester flanker Ollie Pickett unluckily lost his footing in the mud to fall sprawling, allowing Campbell to race through the gap. Chingford closed to their opponent’s line where the ball was recycled for a try by wing Fred Foxley. Centre Dan Boughtwood missed the conversion but soon found his aim with a penalty for a Colchester offside to narrow the deficit to 8-10.
A clumsy high tackle on wing James Crozier gifted Higgins the opportunity to extend the Colchester lead with another well taken penalty. Chingford were roused to attack, rumbling forward in a series of ball-tucked-up-the-jumper moves before the game was lit up by a superbly taken try.
Colchester prop James Mitchell stopped his opposing number in a tackle on the Colchester left wing, wrestling the ball free and setting off on an impromptu counterattack from his own half. Mitch drew defenders before passing to James Crozier who shaped as if he was going to kick ahead, the Chingford defender bought the dummy and went to block the kick – and could only stare as Crozier instead stepped outside him and accelerated away. Crozier raced to the Chingford line where a last gasp tackle brought the flying Colchester wing down but his momentum carried him over for an exciting try cheered by the away supporters. Higgins added the extra points with another touchline conversion.
A penalty for a scrummaging offence enabled Boughtwood to reduce the deficit to 11-20 at halftime.
The second half saw Colchester mostly camped in the Chingford half but unable to cross for any more tries as Chingford defended robustly and occasionally attacked. Penalties were conceded by both teams, Higgins converting one and another smashing into the upright and rebounding out leaving the post wobbling from the impact. Boughtwood added another couple for Chingford, the latter with the last kick of the game to earn Chingford a bonus point for finishing within seven points of victors Colchester.
Colchester had a muddy workout to win this top of the table clash against a game Chingford side to continue to lead London North League Division One at the halfway stage in the league season. Chingford defended their home honour with grit and determination but the Colchester team played with flair and spirit to lead from the start.
Days of rain had left standing water on the main Chingford pitch forcing the move to another field ruled playable despite the muddy surface - which was to play a significant part in the game.
Colchester dominated possession and position for most of the game, their forwards controlling the scrums and winning turnover ball at key moments - including for both tries. Chingford defended doggedly throughout, limiting the visitors to their first non-bonus point win in a dozen games.
Chingford exploited Colchester fumbles and penalties, the home pack adapting to the conditions through pick-and-go attacks to rumble around the muddy field. Chingford flanker Luke Campbell was outstanding in both defence and attack, excelling in a man-of-the-match performance.
The visitors got off to a good start. Skipper Calum Irvine’s well crafted grubber kick took play to within five metres of the Chingford line where Colchester challenged the home side’s lineout throw. The ball scruffily tapped into space. Colchester’s young flanker Harry Gozzett was quickest to react, pouncing on the loose ball for the opening try on three minutes. Flyhalf David Higgins added the conversion from near the touchline.
An offside penalty enabled Chingford to kick near the Colchester line but the lineout was stolen by Colchester number eight James McRae. Colchester worked their way upfield where Chingford were penalised for offside, Higgins converting the 35 metre penalty into three points.
The conditions now came to the aid of the home side. Dependable Colchester flanker Ollie Pickett unluckily lost his footing in the mud to fall sprawling, allowing Campbell to race through the gap. Chingford closed to their opponent’s line where the ball was recycled for a try by wing Fred Foxley. Centre Dan Boughtwood missed the conversion but soon found his aim with a penalty for a Colchester offside to narrow the deficit to 8-10.
A clumsy high tackle on wing James Crozier gifted Higgins the opportunity to extend the Colchester lead with another well taken penalty. Chingford were roused to attack, rumbling forward in a series of ball-tucked-up-the-jumper moves before the game was lit up by a superbly taken try.
Colchester prop James Mitchell stopped his opposing number in a tackle on the Colchester left wing, wrestling the ball free and setting off on an impromptu counterattack from his own half. Mitch drew defenders before passing to James Crozier who shaped as if he was going to kick ahead, the Chingford defender bought the dummy and went to block the kick – and could only stare as Crozier instead stepped outside him and accelerated away. Crozier raced to the Chingford line where a last gasp tackle brought the flying Colchester wing down but his momentum carried him over for an exciting try cheered by the away supporters. Higgins added the extra points with another touchline conversion.
A penalty for a scrummaging offence enabled Boughtwood to reduce the deficit to 11-20 at halftime.
The second half saw Colchester mostly camped in the Chingford half but unable to cross for any more tries as Chingford defended robustly and occasionally attacked. Penalties were conceded by both teams, Higgins converting one and another smashing into the upright and rebounding out leaving the post wobbling from the impact. Boughtwood added another couple for Chingford, the latter with the last kick of the game to earn Chingford a bonus point for finishing within seven points of victors Colchester.
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