On Saturday Director of Rugby Anthony O'Riordan took a squad of two dozen players down to Westcliff RFC to play three 30-minute rugby sessions for both sides to test out player combinations in their forwards and backs.

Joining our regular players from last season were newcomers Alex Burman and Tom Dufficy playing at lock and wing respectively. Colchester acquitted themselves well especially in the scrums against a side that plays a league above us. The overall try count was 6 to Westcliff and 4 to Colchester, played in ideal conditions.

All Colchester tries came from the front forwards; James Mitchell first to cross the whitewash, followed by Simon Gray, and Jerone Awesu.

Next Thursday evening the players will travel to Bury St. Edmunds RFC to take on the National 2 League outfit in another pre-season friendly.

Steve Whiteman