It has been an extraordinarily busy week in senior rugby at Colchester RFC. Having reviewed the 38-14 home victory over Diss and generated some points for progress, we hosted an RFU sponsored ‘University Exiles’ game at Mill Road on Tuesday evening.

The Exiles team contained largely Under 21 players, a fair spread of age groups and levels of experience. From the current senior section Rory Miller, Troy Palmer, Jack O’Sullivan and Lewis Williams amongst others took to the field for the Exiles and they were up against an experienced A XV full of seasoned campaigners. There was a ‘sociable’ feel to the game and the Exiles ultimately came out on top when Senior Colts Jack O’Sullivan and James Pattis combined with Pattis running the ball over the tryline in the final seconds of the game. It was good to see some familiar faces on the field – it was particulary please to see the return of Dan and Matt Hexley to Colchester, both former Colts captains. I have always been a big fan of Dan and his ‘style’ of rugby and I reminded him that there will always be a place for him at Colchester!

This week the 1st XV are preparing for a trip to Saffron Walden. We have only faced Walden on six occasions since 1987-88, Walden have won two, Colchester four, and our last meeting (2009-10 season) saw us edge a tight game 25-16 at Mill Road. Saffron Walden have lost their opening two games of the season. On the opening day of the season suffering a 29-50 home defeat to Eton Manor, then an 11-try 68-0 defeat to North Walsham at Scottow. Saffron Walden are coached by former Shelford and Cambridge scrum half Danny Hunter; they will be organized and very keen to bounce back from their two consecutive defeats and our boys will need to be precise and play to their strengths to ensure that we get the right result.

The last ten minutes of the victory over Diss showed exactly what our boys are capable of. The “Try-Lights” (available to watch here) showcase our offensive capabilities. The fifth try in particular, scored by James Crozier, was sublime. To execute a move at such pace takes exceptional skill and for me the kick from Brett Cutbush was the moment of the game; it was perfectly weighted and you will see from the video that James Crozier didn’t need to adjust his line of running – the placement and weight of the kick was perfect. Crozier simply retained his line and waited for the bounce. It’s easier said than done and wouldn’t look out of place in higher echelons of the National League! If you haven’t seen this try please take the time to have a look; it’s 35 seconds well spent!

The game against Diss presented our boys with some challenges; Diss were fighting to preserve their seventeen game winning streak and they weren’t going to go down without a scrap. Spirits in the 1st and 2nd XV squad remain high – numbers for training are high and this has absolutely nothing to do with the Haribo Giant Strawbs in the changing room that everyone seems to like so much (especially our Director of Rugby!). Perhaps our commercial department should be on the phone to Haribo for sponsorship!

There are some changes to our starting line up this week. Matt Wadling comes in for Bret Cutbush at scrum half for his first start of the season. Matt is an established National League player and he has plenty of experience of playing alongside David Higgins at 10.

Joe Cook and Chaz Hayes-Burt will step into the back row. Joe has made an excellent start to his first season in senior rugby. He was part of the dynamic back row that helped secure our first win of the season at North Walsham and then starred at 6 for the Ravens in their Zoo League 2 encounter with a very strong Bury Wolfhounds side last weekend. Having a 2nd XV that competes at such a high standard (largely National 2 second string sides) means that our developing players and fringe 1st teamers are continually being challenged and stretched by the best possible opposition.

Other changes to the forwards will see Simon Gray start at hooker as Joe Reid takes a step back to resume his coaching duties. Joe Mcmillan will switch across from hooker to loose head prop to form a formidable and experienced front row with his long-standing teammate James Mitchell. The front row will be in full force, especially after the players discovered this evening that the 1st XV Man of the Match will take home a lucrative voucher to spend at one of the fabulous Milsoms Hotels or Restaurants!

The Ravens hit the road to Canterbury. Manager/Coach Alex Lacey has selected a strong side to take on Canterbury’s Pilgrims. Canterbury’s 1st XV compete in National Division 2 so again, the competition will be tough. The Ravens will be missing pack leader Pat Murphy through injury, but they will be able to draw on some returning experienced players to bolster their ranks.