Colchester 48 - Wimbledon 34

Colchester 48 - Wimbledon 34
This was an amazing if not bizarre match with both sets of backs regularly breaking lines of defence, and cross kicks to wingers nearly always finding a catcher who then scored.

In some respects Wimbledon were lucky to find themselves facing a kicker who regularly missed his conversions. James Crozier for Colchester kicking only three including two penalties from ten attempts at goal. For their part Wimbledon scored five tries to earn a try-scoring bonus point and at the end the winning margin of 14 points reflected a superior Colchester scrum who admittedly took quite a long time to switch to a driving maul game to tire Wimbledon’s forwards out. This was after Wimbledon had closed the game near the end to one score at Colchester 43 Wimbledon 34 with a conversion to come. Unfortunately this was missed by Neil Hallett to deny Wimbledon a possible losing bonus point and then Colchester put the margin beyond doubt when they scored their final try – again unconverted.

Wimbledon’s tries came from flanker Adam Scott, winger Josh Charles, centre Noah Jarvis, fullback Neil Hallett and flanker Steve May with three conversions from Neil Hallett and a solitary penalty. The first three tries came from powerful runs breaking through tackles and the fourth coming from a cross kick of pinpoint accuracy from outside half Bryan Croke to Hallett positioned out on the left wing then outjumping the Colchester defender. Steve May’s try came from a driving maul started by Campbell Tait from a lineout, and May crashing over near the posts after several phases and the ball being recycled. Another welcome plus for Wimbledon on a disappointing afternoon, was that it seems no further injuries were sustained. It is to be hoped that some of the missing injured players recover soon and the team can return to the impressive form of last November.

The match was well refereed by Mr Paul Colthard with no yellow cards being given.

Back at Wimbledon, the 2nd team played Blackheath and unfortunately lost 29 – 25 with a team who had supplied several players to the 1st XV.
Next Saturday Wimbledon will be at home to London Irish Wild Geese with a 2.00pm kick-off.