SINCE Brentwood have been in this league, Essex rivals Colchester have always been major contenders for promotion.
Losing in the play-off last season, their form has wavered in recent weeks but currently they are still four points ahead of Brentwood.
The game saw the return of three Brentwood first team regulars, Matt Northall at prop, John Beith at number eight, and Dan Whitehead at full-back.
The first 10 minutes saw the visitors on the attack with Brentwood's defence looking solid but a whistle prone referee penalised the home scrum in front of the posts. Duly converted, Colchester opened the scoring at 3-0.
Colchester maintained their pressure helped by a referee who found fault constantly with the home side. A the end of the first quarter, a poor grubber kick from fly-half Charlie Chambers ended in the arms of the visitors' backs who quickly sped over for the game's first try.
Converted, Colchester were now 10-0 ahead.
With 30 minutes gone, number eight John Beith was yellow carded for a rucking offence but a most average Colchester side were unable to add to their score in his absence.
With half-time approaching, centre Adam Thomas was injured and replaced by Ryan Dee. Beith rejoined the fray but the half-time whistle was blown with the score at 10-0 to Colchester.
Having received a verbal blasting from their coaches, Brentwood powered into the game led by their second-row forwards. A penalty in their opponents' 22 saw Brentwood's usual line-out and drive leading to winger Tony Poole racing over. A difficult conversion by Chambers brought the score to 7-10.
But Brentwood were strangely unable to up their game with many mistakes aiding Colchester's cause. Another penalty gave the visitors another three points and a lead of 13-7.
Coach Steve Killington brought Rob Hobbs off and substituted Chris Stewart.
A penalty kick to seven metres out and another line-out and drive saw back-row Andy Lloyd driven over for Brentwood's second try. Chambers just failed with the conversion but the home side were now within a point of the visitors at 12-13.
With hooker Tery Snooks again in the thick of the action, Brentwood's pack tried to regain last week's spirit and passion. But they remained lack lustre allowing Colchester's pack to keep in the game. In the backs, slow ball and poor selection of tactics did not help the Brentwood cause.
Brentwood though gradually faded and in the last 10 minutes did not seem able to set up a winning move.
Losing 12-13 and gaining only one point, this was a most disppointing result for the Brentwood players and spectators alike.
Some players are clearly playing with injuries while others are suffering with a lack of confidence. The front-row missed the injured Jack Springall who brings such strength and vitality to the pack. Tom King is also needed when he is available. The backs did not work well with only half of them giving worthwhile contributions.
Brentwood: Northall, Snooks, Sherwood, Woodcock (capt), Hobbs, Metcalfe, Beith, Lloyd, Green, Chambers, Gillett, Stanier, Thomas, Poole and Whitehead.
Fixtures: Letchworth Garden City (away), Saturday November 3, London & South East Division One North, kick-off 2 15pm
