Hard-working Colchester fell to defeat at Hertford.

The Mill Road side lost out 36-22 in their London League division three London and South East encounter.

The hosts got off to a quick start when they took a 10-lead through a penalty and a converted try.

Brett Cutbush crossed for Colchester’s first try and David Higgin’s hit a great conversion to bring the score to 10-7.

However, Colchester gave away a penalty try after good work from Hertford in the scrum and an easy conversion front of the posts saw the home side go 17-7 ahead.

At the end of the first half, Colchester were reduced t0 14 men when David Langley was sent off.

Hertford made the most of their advantage after the break and were awarded another penalty try, with a successful conversion, to stretch their lead to 24-7.

Higgins reduced the deficit with a well-kicked penalty for Colchester.

But Hertford went 31-10 ahead with another converted try.

Colchester came back with an unconverted try from Jerone Awesu.

But, Hertford hit back with an unconverted try of their own to go 36-15 up.

Colchester ended the game with a try from Matt Smith and a Higgins conversion to make it 36-22.