Misery goes on as Hawks take it to the Max

■By ED MARRIAGE

Colchester……… 7

Henley…………… 10

COLCHESTER’S wait for a first National League 2 win goes on as Henley clinched a fortunate victory on a filthy afternoon for rugby in Essex.

With rain falling throughout, at times torrential, this was never going to be a free-scoring game, but Colchester still missed several first-half opportunities and, with the bulk of possession and territory, they should have been comfortably ahead at the break.

As it was, Hawks led for most of the half through Max Titchener’s 16th-minute penalty.

With the last play of the half, the one and only eye-catching move of the match led to Jamal Richardson

chipping and gathering to score in the corner. Titchener converted.

Twice Colchester went close to scoring in the early stages of the second half, with a rolling maul pushed into touch just short of the line and then Dan Brennan held up minutes later.

Just as at Bury last week, Joe Colcomb came off the bench to score for Colchester with his first touch, from a line-out drive. Corey Button converted from the left touchline.

Button had a chance to level late on but his penalty shot went wide, and Colchester had to settle for a losing bonus point.