Park Overcome Odds For Colchester Victory

Despite the bag packing on Saturday, Romford made the trip knowing any result was not in the bag. And the hosts seemed keen to mock Parks shirts by putting on an away strip. With a mix and match 15 and one sub the match kicked off.

Shuan sent the ball high and a good chase by Park caused Colchester to drop the ball and give Park an early chance to test out a new look scrum. But it was the opponent's that come out with the ball, however determined tackling resulted in a turn over, followed up by some slick backs play allowed Bailey Finlayson to break and touch down and open the scoring, converted by Ryan Blinkhorne.

But it wasn't long before Colchester showed their qualities with a nice hanging ball from the restart allowed them to retrieve the ball and bring the game back within two points.

This was the last really seen from the home side and despite the forward playing at 90% Park were able to break again but the try was ruled out for a forward pass. But it wasn't much rest bite for the Colchester full back as Bailey continued to menace the home sides 15 by showing fancy footwork to sit him down giving free space to touch down (but not quite a moonwalk) for his second try of the game. Again converted by Ryan Blinkhorne.

Romford continued to press but a more physical Colchester pack caused an injury for a well performing Bobby Watts, allowing the 5 minutes of fame for Thayne Henwood to try his prop forward hand at 9, and this didn't hinder Park in the slightest and Michael Courtney crashed over to extend Romfords lead which Ryan Blinkhorne added to with his third conversion of the day. The game continued into Colchester time and halftime was called ten minutes late.

Half time: Colchester 5 RGP 21.

The second half kicked off and a dubeious first 10 minutes ( more like 15 or 20 ) allowed Park two more tries from Bailey (hatrick) and Nathan Hunte respectivly. Put Romford 31-5 up.

Keen not to be embaraced by a mix and match Romford side Colchester brought on their 27th different player of the game and the fresh legs showed as the home side scored 3 tries in additional time before the final whistle blew. Final score: Colchester 22 RGP 31.

A really good performance from all the lads and all coaches and supporters were really proud of the performance.

Squad: Walton, Dhadwar, Hardy, Courtney (1 try), Dunham, Potter, Hunte (1 try), Kerr, Watts, Chapman, Metcalf, Flower, Pooley, Finlayson (3 tries), Blinkhorne (3 cons), Henwood.

Saturday 18th October,

As you know some of the boys took part in bag packing at Gallows Corner tesco. The boys done really well raising £788.80. Thank you to Keith and Lorraine Walton for arranging the day and thank you to Tesco's for their support.

Participants: Bobby Watts, Shaun Kerr, Ryan Blinkhorne, Luke Metcalf, George Bristow, Bailey Finlayson, Ben Walton, Ben Shawyer, Rajan Dhadwar, Sam Slatford, Ryan Pooley, Owen Flower, Billy Watts, Sam Sawyer, Lee Walton, Ollie Flower and Ella Chapman. Another thank you to all parents who stayed and supported through out the day.

All monies raised will provide the squad with new shirts and socks.