Colchester climbed to fourth place in the league beating West Norfolk for the second time in two weeks.

Injury, illness and unavailability gave Colchester plenty of headaches in the days leading up to the game, with semi-retired veteran Neil Hamilton being called to join the squad just four hours before kick-off.

In the end, Colchester were forced to cancel their second team game as so many players had been called up, and the All Blacks fielded a squad with seven changes from the previous week.

Although West Norfolk's forwards were the more powerful, it was Colchester who looked the better side.

Both sides were trying to play open rugby, with West using their forwards to build a platform, while Colchester tried to run their opponents ragged by playing at full pace.

It was one of Colchester's best performances of the season, and it will give them confidence before their next very tough league encounter against leaders Rochford.

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Published Tuesday, February 8, 2005

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