Colchester fell to a narrow defeat at Chichester.

They lost their National League division three London and south east match 15-13.

The home side took the lead with an unconverted try.

But centre Tom Miller reduced the deficit with a penalty kick to make it 5-3.

However, Colchester were reduced to 14 men when Brett Cutbush received a yellow card for an aerial challenge.

Chichester couldn’t make their numerical advantage count before Cutbush returned from the sin bin in the second half.

But Matt Wadling was then sent to the bin for a tackle with his legs.

However, this didn’t deter Colchester as flanker Dan Whiteman scored a drop goal to put Colchester in front.

Chichester then went back in front 8-6 with a penalty kick.

But Damien Brambley scored a try, which was converted by Miller, to put Colchester 13-8 in front.

Wadling returned to the fray but Oliver Picket then picked up the visitors’ third yellow card of the day for not rolling away.

Chichester made the most of their advantage scoring a converted to try to take a 15-13 lead which they held on to until the final whistle.