Rugby teams take on Colchester rivals

Coopers Coborn pupils enjoyed mixed fortunes in their first rugby fixture of the new academic year against Colchester Grammar School.

The B team were in action first and the first half remained scoreless as the two sets of defences held firm.

Coopers made many line breaks during the opening period, but were kept out by their rivals.

After some motivational words from coach Mr Wellsman during the interval, Coopers put more pressure on Colchester and eventually broke the deadlock with a try in the corner after 10 minutes.

Coopers maintained a high standard of play and scored again a few minutes later, extending their lead throughout the rest of the match to run out comfortable 37-0 winners.

Nathan Meskell scored a hat-trick of tries, with Luke Bullamore adding a brace and Torin Nicholls and Harley Whittlestone also going over.

The A team then took to the field and, after constant attacking and defending from both sides in the opening 15 minutes, Colchester found a gap to go through and open the scoring.

Colchester ran in two more tries to build a 21-0 lead by the interval, then added another pair under the posts at the start of the second half.

But Coopers refused to give in and, with 10 minutes remaining, they finally found a reply with a try from Peter Adeoye.

They continued to attack in the closing stages, but Colchester intercepted a pass to relieve the pressure although Coopers produced try-saving tackles to deny them any more scores in a 37-7 loss.