Rugby League Conference Eastern Region Colchester Romans 18 St Ives Roosters 54 THE prospect of the Eastern Region play-offs is looming large for St Ives Roosters after this convincing John Paxton-powered win at Colchester. Despite missing England intern

Rugby League Conference Eastern Region

Colchester Romans 18 St Ives Roosters 54

THE prospect of the Eastern Region play-offs is looming large for St Ives Roosters after this convincing John Paxton-powered win at Colchester.

Despite missing England international Marco Rossi, half back Dan McCormack and prop forward Ross Thompson, St Ives produced an excellent display.

Just five minutes were on the clock when the visitors took the lead, Jamie Noble diving over from a Mike Sykes pass, who then converted.

Three minutes later it was James Shearman's turn to score, fed by hooker Andy Dean for a simple touch down.

A weak tackle from Jack Blackley allowed Romans back into the game midway through the first period, but another powerful run from Shearman resulted in a converted try under the posts to make it 16-4.

Another poor tackle from Blackley allowed Colchester a converted try, and coach Ian Hill responding by substituting the out-of-sorts St Ives man, giving Christopher Sykes his debut.

Oli Moorhouse was next to get on the score sheet, scoring in the corner after the ball was moved wide from the scrum.

The visitors' lead was further extended when Paxton's attempted kick through bounced off a home player and he collected to score, with Mike Sykes converting.

Another lapse in concentration let in the Romans for a score before half time, but Roosters still took a 26-14 lead into the break.

After the interval a fired-up St Ives took complete control of the game, with three quick tries sealing the victory.

First, Dean maintained his record of scoring in every game this season with a dart over the line before Paxton and a fine charge-down try by Michael Drake made the game safe.

Mike Sykes converted all three tries to give the Roosters a winning lead of 42-14, but they pressed on in search of improving their points difference.

Moorhouse, fed by Paxton, scored his second of the game before Colchester crossed for a consolation score five minutes from time.

Finally, Paxton completed his hat-trick of tries after outpacing the home defence to score under the posts, allowing Mike Sykes to complete a 54-18.

n Paxton is celebrating a call-up to the England Lionhearts A squad for their match against a North East England side at Gateshead this weekend.

n Next up for Roosters is a crunch clash against rivals Cambridge Eagles this Saturday. The match at Somersham Road kicks off at 2.30pm.