The journey to Regional 1 is underway, with promotion firmly in sight. Old Colfeians made the trip to Brighton for the first round of the play-offs, as 2nd-placed Brighton hosted 5th-placed Old Colfeians in what promised to be a fiercely contested encounter.
With Brighton looking to continue their strong season form, and OCs aiming to finally get one over them this year, the stage was set on a bright, sunlit afternoon—perfect conditions for running rugby.
First Half
Old Colfeians struck first. Sustained early pressure, strong ruck work, and sharp offloading eventually broke the Brighton defence, allowing Shay Storey to cross for the opening try.
Brighton responded with pressure of their own, but a crucial turnover from Abdoul Bantango on our own 5-metre line provided a vital escape. That moment proved key, as OCs quickly turned defence into attack.
After a midfield battle, slick handling and strong carrying lines saw Charlie Baker step through to score OCs’ second, extending the lead to 0–10.
OCs continued to apply pressure, and Bantango looked to have added another from a rolling maul, only for it to be ruled out. A lapse at the breakdown allowed Brighton back into the contest, and a yellow card to Baker for an accidental collision during a kick chase left OCs down to 14.
Brighton capitalised. A messy lineout worked in their favour, followed by persistent pressure and missed tackles, leading to their first score (7–10). Momentum swung further as Brighton exploited space out wide to take the lead at12–10.
Despite being a man down, OCs showed resilience. Controlled phase play deep in the 22 ended with Louis Baker crashing over, restoring the lead at 12–15 heading into half time.
Second Half
Brighton came out strongly, targeting the breakdown, but a key interception from Ollie Burkett shifted momentum back to OCs. From there, a dominant rolling maul, powered by Jed Wylie, Ryan Napper, and Victor Spaczil, drove over for a crucial score (12–22).
OCs looked in control, but a moment of risk saw Brighton intercept on their own line and run the length of the field to close the gap (19–22).
OCs responded smartly. A dominant scrum in front of the posts earned a penalty, which was calmly slotted to extend the lead (19–25).
But Brighton weren’t done. Quick thinking from their scrum-half exposed weak guard defence, putting them back in front (26–25).
OCs hit back again. A powerful 20m driving maul forced a yellow card for Brighton, and with the advantage, Shay Storey grabbed his second, dancing through to make it 26–32.
Final Moments
In true play-off fashion, the game swung once more. Brighton built pressure through penalties, and despite desperate defence, eventually found space out wide to score and edge ahead 33–32 with just a minute remaining.
With the clock in the red and the game on the line, Old Colfeians showed immense composure. Phase after phase, carrying with intent and belief, they worked their way into position.
Then the moment came.
Ollie Burkett stepped up—beat his man, stretched out, and grounded the ball for a dramatic winning try. The conversion followed.
Full Time: 33–39
A huge performance from the boys—built on resilience, belief, and brotherhood.
The pursuit of Regional 1 continues.
On to the next play-off.
#BM2 🕊️🤍
