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2023 promises exciting times for Colchester rugby
Doug Boulton31 Dec 2022 - 12:01
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By Edward Marriage
The turn of the year inevitably means New Year resolutions – but for Colchester rugby’s first team it is surely a case of keeping on doing what they have been doing in the final months of 2022.
Colchester start 2023 sitting proudly in third place in National League 3, albeit having played a game more than any other team in the league. But it’s the manner of their play in the past few weeks which catches the eye.
The Blacks have scored 53 tries in 14 matches so far this season, picking up try-scoring bonus points in their last eight outings. And while head coach Craig Burrows may not be entirely thrilled by the number of tries conceded it certainly makes for entertaining times for the team’s supporters.
So what’s next for the team who have adjusted well to life in the fifth tier of English rugby?
First up is a visit to Shelford, familiar opponents who were promoted alongside Colchester last season having been crowned worthy champions of the old London 1 North league. The team from Cambridgeshire have tended to have the upper hand in recent meetings, most immediately a 34-18 win at Raven Park back in October, but also home and away wins last season.
Colchester leapfrogged Shelford into third place in the league with victory over Sudbury last time out. On the same day Shelford’s match at Bedford Athletic fell victim to the big freeze, despite Athletic having an artificial pitch.
The word “fortress” is much over-used in sport, but in the case of the Davey Field it’s entirely appropriate. Shelford are unbeaten in 21 matches at home and have clocked up nine wins, one draw and their three defeats coming away to Sudbury, Westcombe Park and Hertford.
With 10 tries to his name, wing Louie Tang is the league’s top try-scorer, including one against Colchester at Raven Park in that first meeting.
Colchester’s fixture list for January is completed by home matches against Medway (14th) and Tunbridge Wells (28th) plus an away trip to Hertford on the 21st.
Elsewhere in Regional 1 South East, things remain very competitive with the notable exception of leaders Westcombe Park who continue to dominate with 13 wins from 13 matches, opening up a 16-point gap at the top.
The Ravens also return to action this weekend after the Christmas break with a home match against Cottenham Renegades and will be desperate to get back to winning ways after two defeats and a couple of abandoned matches. The Ravens are mid-table in their league with six wins from 12 matches.
Supporters should also keep an eye out for future matches involving the Icini, the Colchester Kings and our indefatigable 3rds, 4ths and 5ths. All this plus the new edition of “Raven” magazine available very soon and there’s no doubt 2023 is starting with a bang!
Colchester start 2023 sitting proudly in third place in National League 3, albeit having played a game more than any other team in the league. But it’s the manner of their play in the past few weeks which catches the eye.
The Blacks have scored 53 tries in 14 matches so far this season, picking up try-scoring bonus points in their last eight outings. And while head coach Craig Burrows may not be entirely thrilled by the number of tries conceded it certainly makes for entertaining times for the team’s supporters.
So what’s next for the team who have adjusted well to life in the fifth tier of English rugby?
First up is a visit to Shelford, familiar opponents who were promoted alongside Colchester last season having been crowned worthy champions of the old London 1 North league. The team from Cambridgeshire have tended to have the upper hand in recent meetings, most immediately a 34-18 win at Raven Park back in October, but also home and away wins last season.
Colchester leapfrogged Shelford into third place in the league with victory over Sudbury last time out. On the same day Shelford’s match at Bedford Athletic fell victim to the big freeze, despite Athletic having an artificial pitch.
The word “fortress” is much over-used in sport, but in the case of the Davey Field it’s entirely appropriate. Shelford are unbeaten in 21 matches at home and have clocked up nine wins, one draw and their three defeats coming away to Sudbury, Westcombe Park and Hertford.
With 10 tries to his name, wing Louie Tang is the league’s top try-scorer, including one against Colchester at Raven Park in that first meeting.
Colchester’s fixture list for January is completed by home matches against Medway (14th) and Tunbridge Wells (28th) plus an away trip to Hertford on the 21st.
Elsewhere in Regional 1 South East, things remain very competitive with the notable exception of leaders Westcombe Park who continue to dominate with 13 wins from 13 matches, opening up a 16-point gap at the top.
The Ravens also return to action this weekend after the Christmas break with a home match against Cottenham Renegades and will be desperate to get back to winning ways after two defeats and a couple of abandoned matches. The Ravens are mid-table in their league with six wins from 12 matches.
Supporters should also keep an eye out for future matches involving the Icini, the Colchester Kings and our indefatigable 3rds, 4ths and 5ths. All this plus the new edition of “Raven” magazine available very soon and there’s no doubt 2023 is starting with a bang!
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