Match Report

 Broadstairs 40-14 Colchester

13/08/05 (Courtesy of Colchester Romans)

Colchester Romans lost to a very strong Broadstairs Bulldogs side in the final of the London League.  Injuries following the semi-final against Ipswich had weakened the Romans, and when they faced the Broadstairs squad of over 20 players they knew they had a tough task ahead of them. 

Broadstairs started the game well scoring after just three minutes, taking advantage of a dropped pass from Colchester.  The Romans came back and forced the Bulldogs back to their line, but couldn't find space to get over, and Broadstairs used the following breeze to kick deep into Colchester territory.  An awkward collision dealt the Romans a huge blow when utility back Dom Gooch was forced to limp off with a knee injury, and Broadstairs took advantage by scoring three more tries down the right wing to take a 24-0 lead after half an hour.

Colchester had a chance to score when Jason Hatcher drove over the Bulldogs line, but could not keep control of the ball when he tried to ground it.  However, the Romans did get on the scorecard just before half time when a set of six ended with Jonathan Vine squeezing through for a converted try to give his team some hope. 

But hopes of a dramatic comeback were quashed when a missed tackle let Broadstairs in for their fifth try. and as the Colchester injury count rose Broadstairs scored twice more.  The final ten minutes saw the Romans regain some pride with Tom Milne capitalising on an uncharacteristic mistake by Broadstairs to score in the corner, then just before the final whistle Lee Tanner kicked through for Kyle Hutchins to chase and touch down for his thirteenth try of the season.

Broadstairs were worthy 40-14 winners, but despite the disappointing end the Romans can be proud of their achievements in the first season of Rugby League.  The squad for the final had seven 16 year olds and four 17 year olds, and although they were out muscled and outplayed by Broadstairs, as they grow and gain more experience they will form the backbone of a new generation of players that will see the game grow in numbers and quality in East Anglia.