Match Report: 1stXV v Colchester

Chiltern travelled to play Colchester who they beat in an absorbing match just before Christmas. Since then the two sides have jockeyed for 3rd position and today saw Colchester gain their revenge in a fast, open and exciting game.

Despite early pressure by the home side it was Chiltern who opened the scoring and after a series of strong thrusts prop Charlie Perkins crashed over for the first try which was converted by Ollie Choules. Both sides wanted to play entertaining rugby and Colchester showed excellent handling to set up a try of their own which was also converted to bring the scores level.

With the game moving end to end Chiltern were soon back on the attack and winger Pip Blake was only just stopped inches from the line. Whilst Colchester partially cleared their line Chiltern set up a wonderful move and with the line beckoning a slightly ambitious final pass was dextrously intercepted and Colchester’s excellent left wing ran the length of the field so 7-14 and effectively a 10 point swing!

The game remained tight for the rest of the half although on the stroke of half time Colchester’s big pack out scrummaged the Chiltern 8 so 7-21 at half time.

The second half was again wonderfully entertaining but Colchester had the quicker backs who capitalised with three more converted tries. A late cry off by Ollie Cato whose young son had been taken to hospital left Chiltern with only two subs and the pace of the game undoubtedly took it’s toll on a depleted squad.

Chiltern however never gave up and scored 2 more great tries themselves one each for Jordan Scott and Jack Kenyon. Stuart Pearham converted one to leave the final score 19-42.

It was great advert for league rugby and we will look forward to renewing our rivalry next season.

No games this Easter weekend but April 7 sees the annual Vets tour, this year to watch the team at South Woodham Ferrers followed by the final home game on April 14 versus Diss which is the annual Presidents lunch.