LONDON OLYMPIANS 27

COLCHESTER GLADIATORS 6

Southern Football Conference One East

COLCHESTER Gladiators are rooted to the bottom of the table after falling to a fourth straight defeat.

They showed some signs of improvement but made further costly errors leading to a lopsided scoreline that didn't reflect the efforts of the team, particularly from the defence.

Rob Wickham finished the game with 16 completions from 33 attempts for 241 yards, one TD and one interception.

And his brother Jake equalled a club record of eight catches in a game, which were good for 99 yards.

Gladiators head coach Luke Box was frustrated with the result but was optimistic that the team is heading in the right direction.

He said: “I'm pleased with the overall improvement, especially considering the late adjustments and additions to the offensive gameplan.

"For our QB to throw for over 240 yards is evidence of the potential this team has to move the ball.

"But again we struggled to finish drives, getting inside the O's ten on three occasions and coming away with nothing.

"Our defence played well, except for a couple of big plays but credit to the Olympians, they are a good team with some exceptional athletes and they made us pay.

"Rest assured, we will learn from this and will get back to training and prepare for another game against the Olympians on June 18.”

The Gladiators went in trailing 21-0 at the break.

But after head coach Box called for more concentration and elimination of mistakes in the second half, he got exactly that from his team.

After conceding a further six points, the Gladiators finally got on the board.

They forced the Olympians to go three and out and the Wickham to Wickham combination was good for 17 yards.

A defensive penalty took the ball to the 14 from where QB Rob found tight end Aaron Martin with a perfect pass and six points.

Dickens' PAT attempt was blocked to leave the score 27-6.

Rookie Lewis Bartlett forced a fumble two plays later, recovered by Josh Mews, giving the offence another opportunity.

And after a nine-yard completion to Andy Cairns on fourth and seven and another Jake Wickham catch for 12 more, the Gladiators were threatening again.

But a sack and two incomplete passes thwarted the drive and the Olympians were able to run out the clock.

The Gladiators are next in action when they host the London Olympians on June 18 at the VC Corporal Budd Gymnasium Rugby Pitches, Berechurch Road, Colchester.