Saturday’s home match against Oxford Harlequins is a hugely significant game in Colchester’s campaign to maintain their National League status – but it is also a landmark occasion for a first team stalwart.

Captain Danny Whiteman is in line to make his 300th first team appearance for his hometown club, a remarkable achievement for the backrow forward who is a one-club man having first arrived at Mill Road at the age of six.

Now in his second stint as captain, Danny is the club’s most-capped first team player, and at 34 years of age thankfully shows no inclination to pack it in.

Danny’s family will be out in force at the pre-match lunch on Saturday, and there will be a chance for supporters to show their appreciation for his stellar contribution to the club ahead of kick-off (3pm).

Given Danny’s single-minded commitment, he will need no reminder that this is a massive game for the team.

After last weekend’s results, Colchester are bottom of National 2 East, two points behind Worthing and – more significantly – 14 points behind third-bottom Oxford Quins, making this match arguably the most important of the season so far.

Colchester have a game in hand over both their nearest rivals, with the rearranged match at Guernsey following next week.

In the corresponding away fixture in October, Colchester outscored Quins by three tries to two in the first half on their AGP, only for the home side to run away with it after the break to win 48-22.

Quins head to Colchester on the back of a very impressive seven-try win over high-flying Dorking – but they have yet to win on the road this season.

“They’re a tough side,” said head coach Mike Haywood. “It’s a big one for us; we’re really looking forward to it as a group.

“Every game in this league is tough, but it’s an opportunity we’re going to relish. It’s a great opportunity for us to get our momentum going.”

In other action this weekend, the Ravens travel to Ely (kick-off 2pm) following a two-week break since their last fixture, an impressive 87-17 win over Shelford 2s.

The 2s are sixth in Counties 1 Eastern Counties, two places and four points ahead of Saturday’s opponents whose last outing saw them beat Ipswich 31-12 at home.

Colchester 3s, third in their league, are at home to second-bottom Brightlingsea (kick-off 2pm) while the 4s are also at home, as they play Braintree 3s (2pm).

So, with three teams in home action on Saturday, it’s going to be a busy day at Raven Park.

Don’t miss out on your chance to cheer on the lads – and in particular triple-century man Danny.

Tickets for the first team match are now available on-line or via the website.