Chiltern roared back to form with a 19-10 win at Weedon Lane against Colchester.

The visitors conceded a series of penalties, two of which were within kickable distance and Stuart Pearham comfortably slotted both home.

Another penalty against Colchester resulted in a yellow card but, despite their numerical and territorial advantage, it took Chiltern until nearly half time to break down the Colchester defence. Skipper Ryan Cole went off with a shoulder injury in the second minute of the game, but his replacement Dave Francis was quick to capitalise on a Colchester mistake at a lineout just outside the 22 and powered over for the first try of the game.

Although this was out wide, Pearham made no mistake with the conversion and Chiltern went into half-time with a highly satisfactory 13 - 0 lead.

Colchester produced a wonderful second half display and at 16-10 and nearly 15 minutes to go there was no room for complacency on Chiltern’s part.

Fortunately, Pearham secured the win with another penalty late on.

A couple of mistakes by Chiltern allowed Colchester to camp near the line and despite two late yellow cards for technical offences, the defence remained solid until the final whistle which gave Chiltern the four point win and denied Colchester a losing bonus point.