London 1 North Colchester 55 Diss 5 In ideal playing conditions, Colchester fielded a strong squad with the welcome addition of ex-Colts Alex Burman and Francois Rossouw at lock and centre respectively, writes Steve Whiteman.
Colchester were soon awarded a scrum back in the visitors’ half. The Blacks shoved Diss off the ball and it was moved to Roussouw who made ground before linking with scrum half Matt Wadling who raced over for the first try. Wing James Crozier converted what was to be the first of six successful kicks during the game.
Diss restarted and before long Colchester were back in their half as star man Ollie Pickett broke from the back of a scrum and fed Crozier, who scampered over in the corner.
Despite being 12-0 up after only ten minutes Colchester kept their structure, and scored three more tries before half-time.
The first came when fly half David Higgins put in a long kick to the opposition 22 touchline and the stolen lineout ball was moved to Dave Brennan, who raced down the wing before feeding the supporting Higgins who scored.
The next try came when full back Brett Cutbush created an overlap, giving No 8 Harrison Pickett space to crash over for the bonus point score.
A well-rehearsed move saw Wadling chip the ball over the Diss backline to Dave Brennan who put flanker Danny Whiteman over for a fine score.
There was to be no let up by the Blacks in the second half and Cutbush intercepted a Diss pass and touched down, before Brennan went over for his second.
George Liversidge then crossed the line to score Colchester’s eighth try. to make it 50-0.
Receiving the ball from the restart. Colchester set up a rolling maul before skipper Liam Pickett broke free only to be fouled. Cutbush put the penalty kick deep into Diss territory and the ball was moved to Crozier to claim his second score.
In the last ten minutes of the game the Blacks lost Hartley and Harrison Pickett who were both yellow-carded reducing the team to 13. Diss moved the ball to their left wing who scored a consolation try, making the final score 55-5.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here