On a wonderfully bright morning on Southwold Common we were treated to an excellent view and some excellent rugby from both sides in a game that see-sawed from start to finish with the lead changing hands five times.
The Southwold team, bolstered by two Colchester loan players, played excellently given that several of their players were new to the game and, as the score line reflects, gave Colchester a run for their money.
Colchester played with confidence and were not afraid to try things out on the field. Man-of-the-Match, Steven Morehen, played solidly in his changed role at number 8 and was unlucky not to go over for an early try following a good back row move. The Southwold cover defence however was excellent and managed to prevent a score just short of the line.
The Colchester forwards worked hard and secured much more lose ball than they had done in previous games and, with good possession, eventually opened the scoring with a run from fly-half Rob Jack who managed to cut through the otherwise sound Southwold defence.
Southwold’s main threat was from their pacey inside centre and full-back and it was they who exposed Colchester “Achilles Heel” being its weak tackling. Two lengthy runs from the Southwold players went practically unchallenged allowing them to post their two tries one of which was converted.
The game also highlighted one of the Colchester teams main strengths being its rugged determination. All departments upped their game to ensure that the hosts were not allowed to post as many point as perhaps they could have. Several patches of defensive play on the Colchester try line were almost text-book and a break-away from one phase of defensive play almost saw Tom White home for a try following a kick and chase from the Colchester end of the pitch.
It was sound play by the Colchester pack that kept the team in the game. Tries by lock, Steven Morehen, and Charlie Bright, debuting at flanker, completed the Colchester tally and further tries could have followed later in the game had Colchester been quicker to secure lose ball and to support the ball carriers.
The game finished 12 – 15 in favour of Colchester although with some better tackling and better work of the ball we could have posted more points. Still, a sound performance.
My thanks to Southwold who were excellent hosts and to referee Seb Anthony who allowed an excellent and good-natured game to take place.
Special mention, also, to Alex Thompson and Joe Massetti for making up the Southwold numbers.
Martin P
P.S. Tounge twister of the week "Blacklock's black dog."
"A" Fixture -v- Luton; Sunday 16th November
Report will follow asap
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