COLCHESTER Gladiators failed to build on their win over Hertfordshire Cheetahs after losing 36-14 to a solid Sussex Thunder side.

In reality, the Gladiators never really threatened to make a game of it after making the worst possible start in their latest British American Football Association match.

Quarterback Curtis Bourke threw an interception on only the third play from scrimmage and saw it returned all the way for a touchdown and six points. The extra point was kicked and the Thunder were 7-0 up without having had the ball.

It was soon 14-0 after the Gladiators could only pick up one first down, a 22-yard completion to Vic Williams and had to punt and a good return gave the visitors excellent field position.

It took Sussex just four lays to cover the 31 yards, when their QB found his receiver in the end zone and the PAT was good.

The Gladiators' offence showed signs of life on their next drive with Bourke finding first Andrew Cairns, returning from injury, for 14 yards and a first down, then Williams for 21 more, taking the ball to the Thunder 27.

However, a fourth down pass was incomplete and Sussex had the ball back.

Colchester's defence stepped up as the first quarter drew to a close and good work by Mark Gilbranch and Dan Jones on third down forced a punt. Unfortunately, a big sack of Bourke stopped any momentum and the teams exchanged further punts as the second quarter began.

Thunder extended their lead after a 44-yard touchdown run by their running back who was injured on the play.

But the lead was already looking like a winning one at 20-0, which they maintained until half-time.

Sussex took the ball to start the second half and were next to score with a two point safety after they had driven to the Gladiators' one.

A fumble was recovered by the Gladiators but on first down, Eddie Collison was tackled in the end zone for the two-point play, making the score 22-0.

It was soon 29-0 after the Gladiators had to kick the ball away and the Sussex QB found his tight end over the middle for a 41-yard touchdown and the PAT completed the seven-point play.

The Gladiators' offence suddenly burst into life with Bourke finding Byron Smith and Cairns for 11 and 34 yards respectively on consecutive plays for first downs.

Bourke then found Andi Xheka for a 31-yard score before finding the same player with a two-point passing play, to make the score 29-8.

Early in the fourth period, the Thunder added to their tally, taking eight plays and one fortuitous pass interference call to travel 53 yards, capped by a seven-yard scoring throw.

The PAT made the score 36-8.

The Gladiators' passing game found its rhythm with Bourke finding Xheka and Williams for first downs before launching a long pass to Chris Jackson down the home sideline.

The sure handed receiver did the rest, completing a 42-yard play for six points and although the two-point pass failed, the Gladiators were well beaten.

The Gladiators will get the chance to exact immediate revenge on the Solent Thrashers when they host them at Colchester Rugby Club on Sunday July 3, kick-off 2.30pm.