Colchester suffered their first defeat this season in the semi-final of the National Cup. Old Albanians eclipsed us on the score board and to be fair shaded us on the day. After losing key players overseas in recent weeks and carrying some niggling injuries, we knew we would have to be at the top of our form. Sadly we were significantly below our Cup form of London Irish, Bishop’s Stortford and Redruth.
In matches of this stature, you need most things to go right, especially when playing away from home. Without wishing to take anything away from OA’s, things could not have gone less to plan in the weeks, days and hours before, let alone the match itself. The 1.5 hour bus journey became over three, making match preparation rushed and most minds were still on the bus as we ran out. Our normal high powered start was merely a gentle probe. Losing experienced centre Jimmy Gardiner effectively in the first 10 minutes (although he battled on for near 25 minutes) meant an entirely changed backline. OA’s defence and lineout were very effective and our handling was poor. Despite this, a try went begging midway through the first half as only Chris Withers accurate kicking kept us within striking distance.
One would hope a match of this stature would warrant the East Midlands appointing a wired up experienced team of three referees. Unfortunately this wasn’t the case as both teams suffered confusing deliberations at the breakdown and scrum, short to no advantage, and touch judges that couldn’t communicate. Ultimately our demise on the day was sealed with our own poor options and below par intensity, however, to win such a tight match you need the officials to do their job when called upon. Perhaps the professional refs with the aid of video technology can still get things wrong, but a foot on a perfect large white line is unmistakable unless you are watching the ball not the feet. I stood on the sideline as OA’s second “try” was scored. My relief that Captain James Mitchell had pushed the scorer onto the touch line before stepping back in to score, turning to dismay as the touch judge confirmed to a dubious ref that a try had been scored. The same touch judge must have been the only person in the ground who thought OA’s first conversion went through the posts, but such is life. In the final seconds Colchester went the length of the pitch and off the final penalty James Mitchell drove for the line, but alas some OA hand had worked its way under the ball before the ref arrived.
From being behind 10-6 at halftime we had closed slightly to 15-12 in the second half. Whilst there was no lack of effort and heart, the usual fluency and confidence was lacking. A draw was no good as OA’s had scored more tries. Due to this a series of penalty kicks in front, in the last minute, were turned down. As described above our efforts went unrewarded and full time sounded.
A big thanks on behalf of the team, is extended to all the parents and supporters who made the trip to support the team, it was much appreciated. It would be remiss not to single out Captain James Mitchell for a special mention. The heart and soul of this team, “Bear” could not have done more today and at the death almost single-handedly won the day. That would have been a fitting tribute to the man.
Whilst our season is effectively over now, we should reflect on a remarkable 3 years with the current group of U19’s. Undefeated at home in 3 years, and as Colts, two Eastern County Cups in a row, and the final 8, and final 4 of the National Cup in successive years. I trust the numerous younger members of this squad grow from this experience and reap the rewards in the following seasons.
We have no “Academy” players in our team but plenty of players who I believe will eventually eclipse the fortunate recipients of those dubious breeding ground places.
To all the players in our squad, on behalf of Barry, Danny and myself, we are incredibly proud of the way you have grown as players and conducted yourselves over three fruitful and enjoyable seasons. You are a credit to yourselves and your parents. Good luck to you all in the future.
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