BRIGHTLINGSEA 0

COLCHESTER III 41

Eastern Counties League division one south

BRIGHTLINGSEA were brought down to earth with a mighty bump after suffering a comprehensive defeat against Colchester III.

Brightlingsea had produced a promising display in losing narrowly to Ipswich Magpies, in their previous match.

But they were defeated by a better organised, more skilful and more enthusiastic Colchester side.

The 5-0 scoreline at the break did not really reflect the balance of the first half, which the visitors dominated.

They possibly could have had more than the single try if their finishing had been better.

But credit needed to go to the Brightlingsea midfield defence, whose line speed and ferocious tackling meant that the final passes were often rushed.

Taylor Houston in particular worked hard to get Brightlingsea on the front foot but when their rare opportunities came to break out the offloads did not go to hand or the support was simply not there.

The pressure was relentless and in the second half, Brightlingsea could not contain the visitors.

Poor clearance kicks and missed touches kept the pressure on and when the ball was taken into contact the home forwards stood off while Colchester flooded the breakdown, resulting in an inevitable series of turnovers.

Alex Annis for all his usual dynamism in the loose had a difficult afternoon in the lineout and the scrum struggled throughout.

Colchester added a further six tries before the end, to complete the rout.

Brightlingsea scrum half Sam Day worked tirelessly throughout, making breaks and putting in some big hits in defence but in truth deserved better support from his team-mates.