Derby Day Disaster. Full Round Up

UEA were left embarrassed in Colchester, after being soundly beaten by bitter rivals Essex, 27-16 on 7 March.

27-16 Derby Day essex Greg James sport uea

 

UEA were left embarrassed in Colchester, after being soundly beaten by bitter rivals Essex, 27-16 on 7 March.
 
UEA went into this year’s competition with the wind in their sails. After thrashing Essex 41-10 at home last year, there was expectation that we would hold onto our crown for another year.
 
Immediately however, this confidence was shaken as Essex raced into a 5-0 lead early on. Women’s Lacrosse got the first point on the board for UEA, and Futsal drew 4-4 in a spectacular match to share a point. From then on though, Essex never looked like being caught.
 
UEA did have a few moments of glory. A grinding 4-2 win for UEA in men’s tennis showcased great desire. Later, UEA athletics continued their recent supremacy, winning at Derby Day for the fifth year in the row.
 
UEA men’s hockey won a pulsating contest 4-3, and women’s basketball recorded an impressive 44-34 success.
 
However, a theme of frustration reared its ugly head during the day for UEA. In men’s football, the Seconds lost 2-1 in a closely fought game. Later, the Firsts were left feeling robbed, when in the last minute, Essex scored to steal the win 3-2.
 
Men’s rugby were dismayed, after being defeated 19-14. Also, UEA could not believe their eyes as women’s hockey, after a 3-3 draw, lost in a penalty shootout. UEA later were defeated by Essex 5-3 in boxing, and it was unfortunately the same story in men’s basketball, who lost 86-68.
 
With volleyball the last sport to finish, UEA ended with their heads held high, winning in a edgy deciding set 15-12. This made the overall final score in the day 27-16.
 
The score suggests Essex had it easy. This was not true. With many matches capable of swinging either way, UEA just did not have luck on their side.
 
It may have been defeat for UEA this time, but they have won the event an incredible eight times, compared to the pitiful four that Essex have to their name. UEA certainly have history on their side, battering the Blades in the first five events. Recently though, this dominance has halted, with each host being the victor since.
 
The final score was not quite on the same level as the 30-15 loss, when
UEA last set foot in Essex lands in 2010. UEA can look forward to sweet revenge at the home event next year.