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Saturday preview: Firsts at Oxford while Ravens enjoy home comforts
Doug Boulton17 Oct - 09:11
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By Edward Marriage
Colchester’s first team break new ground this weekend as they head west to Oxford. And with The Ravens playing at home for a second week running, both teams will be going all out for “the big W”.
Oxford Harlequins, who along with Colchester were promoted from level 5 last season, are one of four teams still looking for a first win in National 2. They drew 19-19 with Henley at the end of last month and have also picked up three bonus points along the way to lie 11th in the table.
The match (kick-off 3pm) will be played on an artificial grass pitch which will suit the Colchester players. And after a tough start to the season, with the fixture list throwing up matches mainly against promotion hopefuls, this is a first clash against a side in the bottom third of the league.
Oxford Harlequins were formed in 1996 following the merger of two of the city’s oldest rugby clubs, Oxford Marathons and Oxford Old Boys RFC. The club moved to their present impressive ground on the east side of the city in 2018.
Quins have acquitted themselves well since their promotion, but had a bit of a setback last Saturday, losing 36-7 at promotion prospects Dorking.
Colchester, too, will want to turn things round after a disappointing 7-10 home defeat to Henley, played in awful conditions at Raven Park.
“We could have been smarter in certain aspects of the game,” said head coach Craig Burrows, who will have to juggle his team after centre Jacob Bodkin was added to what is a lengthening injury list, particularly amongst the backs, after popping his collar bone in the early stages of the match.
The Ravens will be looking to turn things round after two successive defeats in Counties 1 East Counties as they entertain third-placed Southwold at Raven Park (kick-off 3pm).
The 2s lost 5-46 to league leaders Norwich last weekend while Southwold had a comfortable 50-17 win over Bury 2s.
The 3s were due to be away this weekend but their game against Halsted has been switched to Raven Park (kick-off 3pm) while the 4s are on the road to play Ipswich YM 2s (3pm). The Kings have a friendly at home against Wooden Spoon Vets (2pm).
All our teams would really appreciate your support. So, if you are making the journey to either Oxford or Ipswich or keeping things local with the three matches at the Sports Park, please come and give the guys a shout.
Oxford Harlequins, who along with Colchester were promoted from level 5 last season, are one of four teams still looking for a first win in National 2. They drew 19-19 with Henley at the end of last month and have also picked up three bonus points along the way to lie 11th in the table.
The match (kick-off 3pm) will be played on an artificial grass pitch which will suit the Colchester players. And after a tough start to the season, with the fixture list throwing up matches mainly against promotion hopefuls, this is a first clash against a side in the bottom third of the league.
Oxford Harlequins were formed in 1996 following the merger of two of the city’s oldest rugby clubs, Oxford Marathons and Oxford Old Boys RFC. The club moved to their present impressive ground on the east side of the city in 2018.
Quins have acquitted themselves well since their promotion, but had a bit of a setback last Saturday, losing 36-7 at promotion prospects Dorking.
Colchester, too, will want to turn things round after a disappointing 7-10 home defeat to Henley, played in awful conditions at Raven Park.
“We could have been smarter in certain aspects of the game,” said head coach Craig Burrows, who will have to juggle his team after centre Jacob Bodkin was added to what is a lengthening injury list, particularly amongst the backs, after popping his collar bone in the early stages of the match.
The Ravens will be looking to turn things round after two successive defeats in Counties 1 East Counties as they entertain third-placed Southwold at Raven Park (kick-off 3pm).
The 2s lost 5-46 to league leaders Norwich last weekend while Southwold had a comfortable 50-17 win over Bury 2s.
The 3s were due to be away this weekend but their game against Halsted has been switched to Raven Park (kick-off 3pm) while the 4s are on the road to play Ipswich YM 2s (3pm). The Kings have a friendly at home against Wooden Spoon Vets (2pm).
All our teams would really appreciate your support. So, if you are making the journey to either Oxford or Ipswich or keeping things local with the three matches at the Sports Park, please come and give the guys a shout.
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