The next ten days will be absolutely critical. A quick look at the London North Division 1 table shows that there is clearly a group of teams breaking away from the pack, albeit just three games into the season. Our opposition over the next two Saturdays, Brentwood and Chingford will undoubtedly provide us with the sternest of tests.

Brentwood finished the 2016-17 season third in the London 1 North table, just one point behind Chingford, so promotion will clearly be their target. Brentwood will bring with them a uncompromising and robust set of forwards. They were narrowly defeated by Amersham and Chiltern on the opening day of the season, but since then they have secured convincing wins over the two newly promoted teams, South Woodham Ferrers and Diss. As a team, we know this will be a huge test, but we are focused and we are more than ready for the challenge.

Joe Reid comes back into the starting line up after a week on the sidelines. The most significant changes come in the back row. Danny Whiteman returns to his customary position at openside flanker and Rob Pickard comes in at blindside for his first 1st XV start of the season; Rob has been putting in some incredible work in training, tackling anything that moves! Rob is a great clubman - until the end of last season he was the lead coach of our cup-winning Under 16 side; he richly deserves his opportunity and it is great to see him back in a 1st XV shirt.

In the back division Brett Cutbush returns at scrum half. We are so fortunate to have such strength in depth with Brett, Matt Wadling, Jamie Murray, Will Tillett, Lewis Williams and recently arrived Australian overseas player Will Chapman, all vying for the No.9 shirt. Unfortunately David Brennan is forced to miss our clash with Brentwood. David needed hospital treatment and several stitches for a head injury he picked up in our victory at Saffron Walden. George Liversidge came off the bench to replace Brennan and he retains his place at outside centre after a strong display in very challenging conditions. The rapid back three of Crozier, Brown and Barton remain unchanged for the fourth game in a row.

We have a strong set of replacements with Jerone Awesu, SImon Gray and Matt Wadling sitting on the bench. It is very clear that the quality and impact of the 'bench' is critical. Making the right changes at the right time can have a significant impact on the game. This season we have access to a maximum of three substitutes and no more than eight interchanges - this includes blood, injury and tactical replacements.

One thing is clear to everyone at Colchester RFC - this is a squad game and over the course of the season everyone will play their part. With players getting bigger, faster and stronger injuries are simply part of the game and we will need all our strength and depth to realise our ambitions this season.

The Ravens squad for the clash with Tring RFC is full of high quality players more than capable of stepping into the 1st XV without missing a beat. This week the Ravens welcome back Ollie White and Kieran Payne to a very strong 20-man squad. In addition to our experienced campaigners, Under 21 players Troy Palmer, Rory Miller and Jack O'Sullivan retain their places in the starting XV. The Ravens will be kicking off at 2.15pm on Saturday so please give them some support.

A word of thanks to some other unsung heroes in the senior rugby section - our physio team: Pip, Penny, Chris and Katy. Our physio's travel with us wherever we go and bring a mountain of tape, bandages and even a portable treatment table with them! Due to the absence of space at other clubs they have to often set up in corridors, car parks or even shower cubicles to do their work and they are always faced with a queue of anxious players waiting to get taped up! Thanks guys - we really appreciate all that you do!

A final reminder, there will be a minute of applause at 3.00pm as a mark of respect to Josh Gilbert of Thurston RFC. Josh died on the pitch whilst representing Thurston RFC at Hadleigh last weekend. In addition, again as a mark of respect, all team sheets across the Eastern Counties will feature Josh Gilbert - No.3 in their list of substitutes. This is a fitting tribute to a young man who loved the game of rugby and it will hopefully provide his family and loved ones with some comfort at this very difficult time. Copies of team sheets from all over Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire will be sent to Josh's family to show that the thoughts and love of the rugby community are with them.