Colchester travelled to Borehamwood in bright sunshine and perfect rugby playing conditions, to play the enigma that is Old Haberdashers – a team that doesn’t train, but a team that has a great passion for the game of rugby.

Colchester were off to a flying start and scored after 3 minutes from the back of the well-marshalled first scrum of the game; the ball was passed through the backs giving David Higgins the try and conversion 0-7.

Old Haberdashers pushed back showing particularly wily tactics in the scrum, however after some determined tackling Colchester were awarded a failed penalty kick. Brock Price came off for physio treatment and Ben Murphy entered the fray to be faced by a resurgent Old Haberdashers’ team, who interrupted Colchester’s rhythm of play resulting in Alex Mitchell being replaced by Rhys Hartley and time out for Harrison Pickett; the resulting scrum led to a penalty try for the home team 7-7.

The following twenty minutes saw a series of lineouts and scrums with both sides putting in some great tackles one of which, by Ben Murphy, was definitely “try saving". Matt Wadling tried to kick the ball away, but it was intercepted: this led to the home side scoring a converted try just before half-time 14-7.

Knowing they had some work to do, Colchester started the second half with a renewed determination and, following a quick penalty, man of the match, Damien Brambley went over, bringing the score to 14-12. Old Haberdashers came back almost immediately and, despite an amazing injury-causing tackle by Ben Murphy, Old Haberdashers went over for their third converted try.

Colchester retaliated and with a strong tackle and break by Dan Whiteman, Ollie White scored Colchester’s third converted try 21-19. Colchester now had the bit between their teeth and only a strong tackle by Old Haberdashers’ number 12 prevented James Crozier from scoring a bonus point try.

The initiative now passed to Old Haberdashers and after winning a lineout they almost crossed the line only to be denied by some superb defence by Colchester. Spurred on by Captain Liam Pickett, Colchester won the next scrum and David Higgins kicked the ball away. The ensuing lineout led to a Colchester scrum and penalty which gave the visitors the opportunity to push upfield. Rhys Hartley took a knock and Alex Mitchell came back to assist Colchester’s pack. Colchester kept up the pressure which featured an excellent run by Damien Brambley, however, Old Haberdashers regained possession only to be stopped in their tracks by a great tackle from Liam Pickett.

In the last few minutes of the game, Colchester were awarded a penalty and opted for a kick to the corner. Following the lineout, Colchester were awarded another penalty and David Higgins was able to slot the ball over bringing the score to 21-22.

Colchester held their nerve until they were able to win another penalty and kick the ball off the park, bringing to close a nail-biting, good-natured, great game of rugby.