COLCHESTER COLTS 22 RICHMOND 32

National Colts Cup round four

Colchester Rugby Club’s under-19s bowed out of the National Colts Cup despite a sterling second-half comeback against Richmond.

Richmond produced a large and physical side and they dominated possession for the first 25 minutes, completely denying Colchester any ball.

They were also clinical in their execution, scoring four tries, three conversions and two penalties during this period.

A whitewash looked on the cards, but to their huge credit, the talented Colchester squad rallied and took the game to Richmond.

Centre Joe Tarrant worked his way over in the corner to bring the score back to 32-5 at half-time. And the second half was all Colchester.

Prompted by skipper Tom Crozier, Jaco Nel and scrum-half Gregor Irvine, they launched a series of furious attacks on the Richmond defence.

From a penalty, Irvine sped downfield, cleverly drew two men and put full-back Damien Brambley clear on the inside to touch down under the posts. Brambley converted to reduce the deficit to 32-12.

Clean ball was won in midfield and a classic three-quarter move put winger Owen Herbert clear in on the right for the side’s third try.

Brambley added a fourth to bring the score to 32-22.

Colchester camped on the Richmond line for the last few minutes, but brave defence held them out before the referee blew for the final whistle.

FOR MORE PICTURES OF ACTION FROM COLCHESTER RUGBY CLUB'S YOUTH SECTION GAMES, CLICK ON THE YOUTH RUGBY PICTURES LINK ABOVE.