Rugby League Conference — East Colchester Romans 36 St Ives Roosters 28 ROOSTERS faint hopes of making the end of season play-offs were ended as they went down in lethargic fashion to Colchester Romans. Disappointed coach Ian Hill said that his players h

Rugby League Conference - East

Colchester Romans 36 St Ives Roosters 28

ROOSTERS' faint hopes of making the end of season play-offs were ended as they went down in lethargic fashion to Colchester Romans.

Disappointed coach Ian Hill said that his players had not performed to their potential across the course of the season.

He said: "This was a game we could have won. We have a talented squad of players but unfortunately we have had a poor season."

Roosters flew out of the blocks and raced into a 10-0 lead. Early pressure gave them a good field position and the ball was moved quickly to Ronan Delaney, who scored his first try for the club.

The lead was extended when an inside ball from Michael Drake opened up the Romans defence for James Yeomans to score under the posts - Jack Blackley converted the try.

For a period things looked fine for St Ives but, as has been the case all season, concentration was lost in a vital area of the field.

Slack defence and good footwork from Romans stand-off Sadler allowed him to score under the posts and convert his own try to bring Colchester back into the game. This was quickly followed up by a break on the half way line which allowed another converted try under the posts.

Now full of confidence, the Romans then took the lead when Roosters failed to pick up a wide move and allowed Betts to run fully 60 metres to cross the line.

Although Roosters had been knocked from their perch, they replied immediately from the kick-off when Drake took a clever short kick off and fed Steve Burke, who skipped through the defence to score under the posts. Blackley added the conversion.

Just on half-time the Roosters had reason to crow again as they regained the lead. Pressure on the Colchester line resulted in Eddie Embley crossing the line, with Drake adding the goal to give the Roosters a half time lead of 20-18.

The second half started in positive fashion for the Roosters and they had chances to extend the lead through Yeomans and James Noble but the chances went begging.

Colchester managed to regain the initiative and once again they broke from halfway to take the lead with a converted try.

Roosters hit back and were unlucky when Alex Hart crossed the line but didn't manage to ground the ball - but pressure on the line finally allowed Paul Ashbridge to cross the line and ground under the posts.

Drake levelled the scores and with 20 minutes to go this game was in the balance.

Roosters spurned another scoring opportunity when they knocked on and Romans hit back hard on the break to see Sadler score under the posts.

Two late penalties against Roosters, who by now had lost some discipline, left the Romans worthy winners.

n Roosters are at home to Thetford Titans on Saturday 19th July, 2.30pm kick off at St Ives RFC, Somersham Road, St Ives.