Tim Grimsey was a happy man after Colchester Rugby Club’s players delivered the performance that he had asked for against Ruislip.

Despite being beaten by London League division one leaders Westcliff the previous week, Colchester had put in a good display that had the south Essex high-fliers hanging on at the end and coach Grimsey had demanded the same level of application for the visit of Ruislip.

And that’s exactly what he got – for the opening hour of the game.

Colchester tries came from Damien Brambley, Nick Cooper-Hicks, Jack Wiggins, Calum Irvine and Joe McMillan, with conversions by Chris Withers opening up a 38-18 lead.

However, they failed to press home their advantage and Grimsey said his only disappointment from the game was the way they allowed Ruislip to score three unanswered tries in the last 20 minutes.

“For 60 minutes we were fantastic,” said Grimsey.

“We were out of this world with IIT rugby – intelligent, intensity and tempo.

“We were on fire for that first hour.

“It left me speechless how we were so good, but for the last 20 minutes it was like Driving Miss Daisy."

See this week's Essex County Standard for more reaction and a round-up of all the local rugby action.