Walden’s youth fall to second defeat of the season

Colchester 37 Saffron Walden 7

WALDEN’S under14s lost only their second game of the season after suffering a dip in form because of an extended winter lay off.

Last weekend’s defeat was only the visitors’ second outing since mid-November and a solitary try from George Rains was all they had to show for a game of endeavour.

Weather issues aside, Colchester boasted several club and county players amongst their ranks and scored three unanswered tries within the first fifteen minutes to leave Walden reeling in the bitterly cold conditions.

On the plus side for Walden, Noah Finch made a welcome return to the No.8 position after a six week absence, and led his team mates in the fightback, making tackle after tackle and constantly seeking out the opposition’s big men.

However, after half time the score was extended to 25-0 as Colchester continued to turn the screws.

The Walden pack found the pace of open play difficult to contend with, however showed much resilience in set piece scrummaging. Will McGinn, Harvey Woodbridge and Gareth Lolley all showed commitment in tackling their opposition counterparts.

In the backs line, Josh Flack at full-back and Dominic Fanning at wing often found themselves making try-saving interventions as Colchester’s fitness levels began to present more opportunities.

Facing a shut-out, Walden then made a surprise counter-attack to produce their only score.

The forward line made good use of the limited possession on offer and got the ball out to the backs. George Rains stepped up at centre and after breaking two close-quarter challenges broke out into the open. With twenty metres still to go, Rains pressed the accelerator and won the footrace to the line. Dan Rust stepped up to convert.

Colchester scored twice more to finish a chastening experience for Walden who will need to show heart and resolve next week away at Harlow.