IT was so close – but Colchester fell agonisingly short in their London One North promotion play-off against Brighton Blues, writes EDWARD MARRIAGE.

The Blacks losing an enthralling match 33-26 in front of the biggest crowd of the season, at Mill Road.

In an evenly-matched encounter, it all came down to the last play of the match as Brighton defended their line with Colchester needing a converted try to take the match into extra-time.

Colchester were awarded a five metre scrum and rumbled over but Ollie Pickett was held up by some outstanding Brighton defence.

The referee then blew the final whistle to spark a mass pitch invasion by the delighted supporters of the men from Sussex.

Colchester had qualified for this play-off after finishing second in London One North with a record of 24 wins from 26 in the regular season.

A place in level five of English rugby rested on this one-off match against Brighton, who had finished runners-up in London One South.

Colchester did not make the start they were looking for, losing lock Ollie White to injury within the first six minutes of the contest.

They then quickly conceded a try to Brighton’s number 8 Frank Taggart which was converted by Sean O’Hagan.

Colchester, playing with a stiff wind at their backs, hit back with three penalties kicks from James Crozier.

Crozier then scored the most eye-catching try of the match, latching on to a Brighton mistake to run in from 40 metres.

Crozier converted his try but Brighton struck back within a couple of minutes through Jordan Whythe, who crossed after sustained pressure.

Colchester ended a see-saw half on the up, with Damien Bramley touching down after a fine handling move involving the backs and created by fly-half Brett Cutbush.

Crozier’s conversion attempt was taken wide by the wind, his first miss of the match.

Colchester turned round 21-14 up but playing into the wind in the second half the last thing the home side needed was a spell of ill-discipline which saw them concede four penalties in ten minutes.

O’Hagan kicked two of them to close the gap to 21-20.

Colchester hit back with a try after fine work by the forwards, finished by James Mitchell.

But Crozier missed the conversion and that ended the home scoring and centre Dylan Winsloe scored a try for Brighton under the post.

It was converted by O’Hagan, who added two further penalties including one monster effort from the halfway line, skilfully making use of the wind.

So it was heartbreak for Colchester, who fielded 18 home-grown players in their play-off.

But they can hold their heads up high after a season which has seen them lose just three of 27 matches and play some entertaining and enterprising rugby.

Colchester now face another season of London One North rugby when they return to action in September for one last season at Mill Road before they move to their new state-of-the-art ground on the other side of the A12.