Colchester gain their revenge as Ruislip are sent home pointless

Colchesters line-out is fast becoming on of their greatest strength, securing almost all of their own throws and stealing many oppositions. Photo: MAGGIE WHITEMAN (Image: Archant)

Revenge was sweet for Colchester as they convincingly beat visitors Ruislip reversing the result of disappointing loss earlier in the season and maintaining their unbeaten home record.

The Blacks fielded an unchanged starting line-up aided by the good play of substitutes Rhys Hartley, Lewis Williams and Joe Beckett in the second half.

In calm and cloudy conditions the visitors were immediately under pressure from a buoyant Colchester who relish playing on the excellent Mill Road pitch. Before long the Ruislip fly-half kicked deep to full-back Will Brown who came back at pace, linked with wing James Crozier who deftly kicked the ball into Ruislip’s half. Winning the resultant ruck, scrum half Brett Cutbush released flanker Dan Whiteman who raced over for a try giving Colchester an early lead of 7-0.

Not to be outdone Ruislip came back minutes later and won a penalty which was kicked to touch in the corner. From their line-out they used the catch and drive tactic to put their tighthead prop over for a try levelling the score at 7-7.

Good work by No 8 Harrison Pickett aided by Brown put home lock Joe Colcomb over for a try and this time Colchester didn’t let Ruislip back as they went on to score three more tries in the rest of the half.

Firstly right wing Dave Brennan assisted centre Jona Crisp who cut through the defence and then Harrison Pickett claimed two scores by virtue of his uncompromising straight running into contact as he lead the Black pack forward.

At the interval Colchester were 35-7 ahead and there was to be no let-up in their efforts in the second half. Shortly after play resumed centre Joe Flexman kicked Colchester into an attacking position and again Brown linked with Crozier for him to go over in the corner.

Danny Whiteman races towards the try line for Colchester in their big win over Ruislip. Photos: MAGGIE WHITEMAN. (Image: Archant)

When play resumed, the alert Flexman intercepted a move by the Ruislip backs and ran 40 metres to score under the posts. In the elation that followed the Blacks dropped their guard and Ruislip’s fly half did a copycat interception to score a try at the other end.

This success against the run of play seemed to rouse Ruislip and before long they were back near Colchester’s line, won their line-out and drove their loose head prop over for a good forwards’ try.

This resurgence was short lived as Colchester came back at them from the restart. White’s kick was skilfully caught by Crozier, the ball was moved among the charging forwards and flanker Ollie Pickett dived over for a try. Just as he had opened the scoring, Whiteman closed proceedings with a last minute score in the corner.