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Saturday preview: Olympian packs a punch for Col!
Doug Boulton25 Sep - 15:13
By Edward Marriage
Colchester return to home action this weekend – and the match will be given added punch by the presence of an Olympic medallist.
Lewis Richardson, who won bronze at the Paris Olympics this summer, will be guest-of-honour at Raven Park, attending the pre-match lunch before the National 2 league match against Old Albanians (kick-off 3pm).
The Colchester-born boxer, who attended Thomas Lord Audley School, has always expressed great pride in his home city, so let’s hope he can witness The Blacks get their first win of the season.
Old Albanians have one win and two defeats from their opening three matches, their latest outing saw them lose 28-43 at home to Dorking to lie in 10th position in the table.
Like Colchester, OAs are marking their centenary this season having been formed as a club for former pupils of St Albans School in 1924.
In 2002 the club moved to their present impressive home, a facility not just for rugby but also cricket, football, hockey and tennis. It’s also the main training base for Premiership club Saracens.
Promotion to the National Leagues in 2011 saw a link-up with the Saracens Academy. England forward Maro Itoje played a full season for OAs, while other big names who’ve played for the club include Nathan Earle, Nick Isiekwe and Max Malins.
Colchester always knew they faced a tough start to life in level four, the fixture list throwing up opening matches against three teams fancied for promotion. But nine tries scored in those games show the team has been far from overawed.
A reminder that entry to first team matches at Raven Park costs £10 this season, £5 for members. Supporters are encouraged to book their tickets in advance on-line to ease entry to the ground. The link for tickets is on the club’s website and socials.
The Ravens make the lengthy journey to Norfolk to play North Walsham 2s on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) fresh from their 42-19 win over Cantabs last time out, a result which put them sixth in the Eastern Counties 1 table.
North Walsham won their opening match of the season but have lost their last two outings and lie in eighth place.
Colchester As are at home to Felixstowe (3pm) while the 4s travel to play Woodbridge 2s (3pm).
Lewis Richardson, who won bronze at the Paris Olympics this summer, will be guest-of-honour at Raven Park, attending the pre-match lunch before the National 2 league match against Old Albanians (kick-off 3pm).
The Colchester-born boxer, who attended Thomas Lord Audley School, has always expressed great pride in his home city, so let’s hope he can witness The Blacks get their first win of the season.
Old Albanians have one win and two defeats from their opening three matches, their latest outing saw them lose 28-43 at home to Dorking to lie in 10th position in the table.
Like Colchester, OAs are marking their centenary this season having been formed as a club for former pupils of St Albans School in 1924.
In 2002 the club moved to their present impressive home, a facility not just for rugby but also cricket, football, hockey and tennis. It’s also the main training base for Premiership club Saracens.
Promotion to the National Leagues in 2011 saw a link-up with the Saracens Academy. England forward Maro Itoje played a full season for OAs, while other big names who’ve played for the club include Nathan Earle, Nick Isiekwe and Max Malins.
Colchester always knew they faced a tough start to life in level four, the fixture list throwing up opening matches against three teams fancied for promotion. But nine tries scored in those games show the team has been far from overawed.
A reminder that entry to first team matches at Raven Park costs £10 this season, £5 for members. Supporters are encouraged to book their tickets in advance on-line to ease entry to the ground. The link for tickets is on the club’s website and socials.
The Ravens make the lengthy journey to Norfolk to play North Walsham 2s on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) fresh from their 42-19 win over Cantabs last time out, a result which put them sixth in the Eastern Counties 1 table.
North Walsham won their opening match of the season but have lost their last two outings and lie in eighth place.
Colchester As are at home to Felixstowe (3pm) while the 4s travel to play Woodbridge 2s (3pm).
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