We were welcomed to Raven Park by a confident and 4th placed Colchester side. Our young A&C side (9th placed) were intent on achieving the ‘grand slam’ following our earlier September victory (33-28) . Conditions though were very different on a wet, windy day and a 4G pitch missing the usual flood lit support that would have brightened everyone’s day considerably.

All credit to Colchester also in that since defeat to us they have managed to string together a number of notable victories against all the top teams in the league. This includes their defeat of Sudbury (league leaders). Raven Park also has a state of the art feel similar to Ealing Trailfinders and even London Irish with a land and pitches that seemed to have been levelled with a spirit level and a modern club house that felt like more like a hotel. A truly impressive set-up and a build -up and set of circumstances that gave every indication that Colchester would be King.

Well - I can say with confidence that for the majority of the match Colchester feared defeat. You can just tell. The cheers are that of relief - the shouting is to give hope - and the quietness of the coaches is actually so loud. For both sides this was a match that had all the hallmarks of an impending FA cup upset. We knew it and they knew it too. It really was a terrific match to watch.

From Colchester’s kick-off to eventual victory A&C commitment and passion were evident to all. A&C started well with effective line-out and early scrummages to ensure that a positive impact was made in the first 10 mins. On 7 mins though Colchester managed a little opening pressure and secured an early straightforward penalty. Successfully kicked ( 3-0). Softened up it was A&C (13 mins) second row Jacques O’Driscoll that found himself benefitting from quick ruck ball, in space, before completing a marauding run to score an unconverted try. (3 - 5). Poor Louis Bailey then fell victim to a yellow card and was sent to the cooler in the 32nd minute. Some scrummaging naughtiness I believe and I think Louis was the nearest to the referee so off he went. It was not until the 38th minute that Colchester against the run of play were again awarded another entirely kickable penalty. Duly kicked and an Colchester took what was really an undeserved lead. (6 - 5). A&C were definitely in the ascendancy and also had a marginal decision go against them when

winger, Andre McFarlane held on to what was deemed a forward pass before crossing the line. Again fantastic running and pressure from A&C with little fortune coming from ‘Sir’. Half-time (6-5) and little doubt that there was all to play for.

Significantly though the crowd had swelled and there was little standing space within the impressive viewing deck and down below at pitch level. It would appear that the comms detailing the 2pm kick off had not been effective and therefore the bulk of the crowd had arrived excited for 3pm. They seemed determined to enjoy the next 40 mins. with 40 mins.

So here we go and I can still feel the goose bumps. And yes it was Jacques O’Driscoll yet again finishing off a coordinated forwards/backs move to score under the posts for an easy Noah Jarvis conversion on 50 mins. Crowd taken by surprise as cramming in burger time - long queues. (6 - 12).A&C had the wind in their sails and were pressing well when also Captain Josh - Josh Finch played some champagne rugby and the ball was duly intercepted by a Colchester back for a straightforward and unflattering try. Crowed, players and coaches duly responded and there was a general feeling of getting out of jail. Duly converted ( 13- 12). And then on 62 mins it was almost as if destiny was calling for Colchester with again some unlikely pressure in the A&C 22yds which resulted in some careless defending and a further opportunistic Colchester try. The crowd had now definitely found their voice and the alcohol. (20-12). A&C never gave up and kept the pressure on Colchester With confidence in their systems and ability this time they went forward at increased pace and with belief. The result being centre Robert Hughes side stepping and gracefully swooping past a Colchester defence still recovering from some unexpected points. We definitely had the match back although a rushed conversion meant points were not maximised (20-17).

With 2 further tries in both the 35th and 38th minutes for Colchester they did enough to get to what was a flattering scoreline , not reflecting the run of play. This was highlighted in the awarding of the final try when the ball bounced like a basket ball rather than being touched down. (34 - 17)

So with a little fortune this could have been quite a start for A&C in 2022 ,and with good weather just round the corner for our mobile Chiltern Cherubs, a successful 2022 can now be achieved with a top half finish. So Old King Cole is a merry old soul - although very much relieved and very glad of good fortune. Hopefully we caught the good fortune rather than the Covid.

Highlights

• For that 5 mins prior to kick off the pitch was flooded with light and warmth, as if a sign from God that a great achievement would result - alas it was just the broken floodlights being tested that they were still broken. They were!

• 2 be allocated 2 spotlessly clean hotel room style changing rooms befitting of a Premier Inn (without the bed). Paddy (Physio) being blessed with his own consulting room

• Our coach’s leather seats, with a classy feel and sports style head rests

• The celebrating of coach virgins to the A&C 1st Team experience. Congratulations to Charlie DOYLE (cool under pressure and all in a days work) and Bill HUGHES (yes another

one - didn’t he do well !! Good game good game!!). Both sprinted beautifully into Weedon Lane to mark their achievement.

• Big Peter Gibson with his Big black book and his big black coat and tracksuit - need I say anymore.