KENT Exiles came off second best in their home meeting with Colchester Gladiators.

The Exiles took an early lead in the first quarter when quarterback Zac Ritchie found rookie standout receiver Jon Miller across the middle with a 10-yard touchdown pass.

Miller, who was playing both receiver and also debuting at kicker, converted the point after try to put the Exiles seven points ahead at the close of the first half.

Kent retained a slim lead when the Gladiators’ starting full-back ran in from 11 yards out, as Colchester missed the conversion to make the score 7-6 to the Exiles.

The tough-running full-back would continue to punish the Exiles on the ground throughout the day.

Gladiators then struck again to take the edge when Daniel Singer completed a 20-yard pass to one of their starting wide-outs for the go-ahead touchdown.

The kick from Johnson was again no good, making the score 12-7 to the visitors.

Entering the fourth quarter the Gladiators laid down the gauntlet to the Exiles with another quick score, Singer passing to Matthew Excell who dodged his way into the end zone.

The Gladiators’ two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, making the score 18-7 to Colchester.

With little time remaining, Kent once again rallied to drive down the field.

Ritchie once again lofted the ball to Miller who plucked it out of the air and ran in from 26 yards for the score.

Miller again converted his own touchdown to bring the Exiles to within a score, trailing 18-14.

However, the Gladiators’ dodging outside running game had begun to make the Exiles tire.

Colchester pounded the ball on the ground to break into the end zone from a 37 yard romp.

The conversion again failed, but by this point the clock left little opportunity for a comeback, despite the defence standing up to be counted.

Defensive back Ashely Healy excelled on the day by making several last-ditch tackles to keep the Gladiators at bay.

A punt block by linebacker Adam Pearson gave Kent good field position but it was too little, too late.

Offensive co-ordinator Dave Pester highlighted a number of positives from the game.

He said: “This year we have a very young side and today I could see them gaining valuable experience, which I am sure will pay dividends in our remaining games.

“The Exiles will certainly not take this loss lying down and will be training harder than ever for our next game at Peterborough Saxons.”

Kent Exiles’ away date at Peterborough on Sunday kicks-off at 2.30pm.

For more information on the club, visit kentexiles.co.uk