Berkshire Unicorns continue unbeaten run with win over Colchester Kings

The Berkshire Unicorns continued their unbeaten run in the International Gay Rugby (IGR) South League on Saturday as they adapted better to the tricky conditions to beat Colchester Kings 17-0.

The heavens opened prior to kick off, giving the players a bit of a soaking as they warmed-up for the match. And it also led to difficult handling conditions when the game got under way as players from both sides knocked the ball on in the tackle and in rucks.

The Unicorns got to grips with these issues quicker than their rivals however, and - crucially - they were also dominant in set pieces such as the lineout and scrum, giving them far more of the ball than their visitors.

This they used to good effect as the half wore on, forcing Kings back inside their own 22, however, the visitors managed to relieve the pressure on several occasions through the boot of their fly half.

However, the pressure and territory eventually told five minutes before the interval when Andrew Long managed to pick the ball up and barge his way over from close range.

The sun made a welcome appearance at the start of the season half and the performance of both teams improved - perhaps as a result. Handling of the ball became slicker and sharper while the tackling of both teams was also harder and more intense.

Again, however, the Unicorns were able to make use of their dominance at set plays to put them in more dangerous field positions.

They also got their backline firing for the first time in the match and with 20 minutes to play, Matt Todd was able to cross for their second try following an excellent move initiated by replacement fly half Jamie Calvert.

Colchester came within metres of a try back when their winger intercepted a Unicorns' pass and very nearly sprinted the full length of the field to score. However, Nat Harlow and Sam Regan managed to get back in the nick of time to foil him.

The Unicorns then made sure of the points when Marc Rees-Spriggs dotted down their third try of the afternoon following another flowing move. Erin Lee then nearly swept over another two points, but the conversion attempt came back off the post.

Still, this was another impressive display from a Unicorns team who were crowned national champions last season after going through the campaign unbeaten.

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Tries: A Long, M Todd, M Rees-Spriggs

Cons: Al McEwan