Colchester 4th XV 7 Chelmsford Vets (Undertakers) 48

On a fresh and bright winters day our noble Undertakers had an opportunity to dust off their kit bags, having been in hibernation for a few months and have a run around against Colchester Rugby Clubs Vets side in newly arranged fixture.

It's been quite a while since the Undertakers took to the field of play so much so a number had difficulty remembering where they had left their boots on match day. A quick rally round and the 'Ole' boys were ready to go after Captain Ken put out the call to arms the team sheet was steadily populated with players eager for a game.

There were however notable absences with Pikey on home duties and Staff somewhere else (location not known) it was refreshing to see stalwart G (I'm retired) play a great game on the wing at short notice.

The ever dependable Paul Welch aka Mr Welch returning playing Fly-Half like it was the Challenge Cup final in the 13 man code was a rock all afternoon, carrying, tackling and steering the Vets backs to good effect with Danny and Matt carving holes all over the park linking and communicating well. On one such occasion scoring one of the tries of the day was swift ball moment allowing Andy MC to scorch down the touchline and dot down in the corner for a fine try.

It was also great to see some new faces from our youth coaching squad stepping up and Justin for his first Vets Cap. They played in a competitive and fast flowing brand of rugby the Undertakers are well known for, ably led by Captain Sany. The game was frantic to begin and it was the Undertakers who found fluidity and pace to find holes in the Colchester defence crossing the whitewash in the first half scoring 5 tries to Colchester's single try.

Colchester much to their credit are worthy opposition and their robust and resilient forwards made our veteran Blue Boys work hard for any ball.The Undertakers forwards were working well all afternoon and with players coming off the bench slotting in seamlessly. The balanced back row of Dave, Andy and Gareth working well and with Dave adding some telling tackles stopping Colchester time and again.

The engine room of the two Nick's offered power at scrum time and good mobility around the park with Jobi linking well to supply Welchie plenty of ball to play with. At line out time Ade hit his man ably supported by the lifting crew of Tom, Chris and the evergreen Rick.

The second half was much like the first with the Undertakers scoring a further 3 unanswered tries. There were some highlights, one being prop Tom's dynamic 30 or 40 yard dash as he accelerated through the Colchester brick wall defence.

It wouldn't of looked out of place on the school sports day dad's race. Sadly Tom was tackled with feet to go to the try line. Unfortunately photographic evidence is lacking due to the roving reporters camera malfunction but everyone who was there saw a wonderful sight.

All in all a good effort from the Undertakers on a day Scotland take on England in the Six Nations. More games for this side will be planned and it's hoped more players throw their hats into the ring and team selection will be a headache for the Captains.
It's just hoped everyone remembers where they leave their boots!

Thank you to Colchester for hosting at short notice and we wish the injured players a speedy recovery. Thanks to the travelling friends and family for popping up the A12 who witnessed a great game played in the spirit of the game.

Tries
Danny, Justin x 2, Andy Mc, Matt C, Jobi x 2, Gareth, Chris S