On Saturday we have the chance to avenge our defeat at Ruislip earlier in the season. On the day Ruislip took advantage of playing against reduced numbers, our lack of discipline and played to their strengths. The defeat perfectly illustrated that there are no easy games and in order to win you need to do more than just turn up; as one of our senior players said after the game we simply did not respect possession and paid the price.

The league is entering the closing stages; Chingford and Brentwood have built a lead, but there are still lots of points up for grabs and with five points at stake for a bonus point win it is possible for us to close the gap quite rapidly if results go our way. Our target is quite simple; win all of our eight remaining games and collect as many bonus points as we can. As I have said, there are no easy games but we will approach the end of season run-in with high expectations.

Last weekend Ruislip narrowly lost out to Chingford 24-31, so they will be approaching this game with justified confidence. That said, our boys can also go into the Ruislip game on the back of two hard fought wins against more than capable opposition. Although our win at Old Habs won't hit the headlines, for us it was a significant win and a gutsy performance in difficult conditions. Although the conditions did not suit our running game, our boys modified their approach and played the right type of game at the right time. Back at Mill Road, Rod Chatters has prepared a superb surface for our game and we will be looking to maintain our 100% home record and make things difficult for our opponents; just like they did when we visited Ruislip earlier in the season.

Ruislip possess a well-organised set of forwards but we have a near full strength pack that as a team and individuals have been consistent performers. The win at Old Habs was in many ways the ultimate test of our forwards, their stamina and their resolve - they passed with flying colours.

The 'units' within the pack and working well. Our front row has adapted well to the absence of Rhys Hartley and James Mitchell and the reassuring sight of Joe McMillan at loose head prop has been significant in ensuring the solidity of the scrummage. Our second row has been extremely consistent - 18 year old Joe Colcomb has partnered Liam Pickett and Joe has been a revelation (and ever present) since his debut at North Walsham on the opening day of the season. Finally, in terms of the forwards, our back row has been a constant source of strength. Six players have featured consistently: Olly and Harrison Pickett, Joe Beckett, Rob Pickard and Dan Whiteman. All of them bring different attributes, but as a unit the back row has proved to be a real strength; the try count of our back row has been incredibly high with Olly Pickett and Dan Whiteman both bagging hat-tricks this season.

The composition of the backs has been less settled with some injuries and positional changes impacting upon selection, but it has been more settled in recent weeks with the return of David Brennan and the emergence of Jona Crisp at outside centre. Our backs are capable of magic and there is no side that can run the ball in this division like Colchester. Throughout the season James Crozier has been the absolute model of consistency - he has been ever present and despite switching from the left wing to full back on occasions, he has scored consistently throughout the season, both in terms tries and place kicking. We are very fortunate to have a generation of players who form the spine of this team and who can play such fabulous rugby for our members and visitors to enjoy; it's no coincidence that our games and club lunches are so well attended compared to other clubs in this and higher divisions.

In terms of selection, our side is virtually unchanged from the XV that survived the Old Haberdashers mudbath! On a serious note, the fact that our boys managed to come out of the Old Habs game relatively unscathed is a tribute to their fitness and conditioning. The extremely soft ground cushions collisions and slows players down, but also increases the likelihood of a joint injury so we are pleased to be able to select a consistent XV this weekend.

Our A XV are taking a strong side to Cottenham Renegades in North Cambridgeshire to kick off phase two of their league campaign. Cottenham's Renegades finished 3rd place in Division 1 West. The second phase of the season will see our A XV take on sides who finished in comparable positions in their locality so they can expect some tough games including visits to Norwich and North Walsham. The next A XV home game is scheduled for 3rd March when they face Cambridge Adventurers, please come along and support the boys at this crucial stage of the season.