TONBRIDGE JUDDIAN 32

COLCHESTER 14

National League Three London and South East

COLCHESTER recovered from a slow start to push league leaders Tonbridge Juddians all the way.

This was always going to be a tough match for the relegation-haunted Blacks at an in-form side who had only been defeated once all season.

But although they struggled to compete early on they stuck at their task.

And in the end, it was a contest that could have gone either way despite the respective league positions of the two sides.

Grey, wet and bitterly cold conditions greeted the teams and it was Tonbridge who dictated play through fly-half Prescott. Strong running from centres McMahon and Nickel created opportunities for wing Ryan Fuller.

And by the end of the first quarter they had scored four tries in the left corner, although none were converted.

Colchester then got up a gear and despite conceding a lot of weight in the pack, began to fight back.

Ben Murphy made a welcome return to the back row and together with Whiteman and Becket began to win quality ball. In addition, the ever-alert Brett Cutbush popped up on the inside of a break by James Crozier to score wide left and Crozier converted well to make the score 20-7 at half-time.

The second half was an equally hard-fought affair with Colchester's front five of Awesu, Thorogood, McMillan, Pickett and Castle going toe-to-toe with much bigger opponents.

Defence in the backs tightened too, with centres Brandon Fanula and Te Albert putting in some crunching tackles.

Tonbridge scored after 42 minutes but Colchester swiftly replied with a try by Barnes putting full-back Harry Barton clear.

Crozier converted to bring the score to 25-14 and the visitors had much the better of play, with only inexperience prevented another score.

Unfortunately for the visitors, an interception try by home hooker Sam Bailey against the run of play effectively put the game out of their reach.

Colchester used their subs well, with Rob Pickard and Alex Rayment boosting both back row and front row when needed. It was a fierce battle to the end, with Albert and BJ Awesu both taking heavy knocks.

Tonbridge were not expecting such a fight from a side sitting second from bottom in the table.

And if Colchester can show the same spirit against Westcliff at Mill Road on Saturday, it will be another cracking match.