Despite recording a convincing win over Ruislip last Saturday, the talk in our squad meeting was entirely focused on maintaining our discipline and the bigger picture; we have a succession of difficult games over the course of the next month or so; Priorians, North Walsham, Eton Manor and Rochford. Three of those sides remain unbeaten and we will need to be at our absolute best to maintain our current league position by the end of October - but that's it our target. There are going to be obstacles in our way - the opposition, injuries, availability and the weather, but there's an atmosphere of confidence, not complacency.

The side were are fielding this weekend against Old Priorians is perhaps one of the strongest we have assembled in many years; yet there's more to come. It's a balance of youth and experience, plus a couple of familiar faces are back in the fold. We are delighted to announce that two former Colchester players have made a return to Mill Road this week... Ben Murphy and Harry Barton have re-signed and they look as sharp as ever. Harry and Ben were both products of the Colne Rugby Academy under Anthony O'Riordan's leadership. Both have played for Colchester before and linked up last season at Southend Saxons; but now they are back in black! Ben had a run out with the Ravens last weekend and will start at inside centre on Saturday. Since leaving Southend Ben has been making waves on the 7s circuit and ultimately earning a call-up into the England Students 7s squad. Harry Barton has also been making a name for himself in the 7-a-side game, but like Ben he's now back at his original club and determined to help us achieve of aims. Harry will start against Old Priorians from the bench, but you can be sure that as soon as he sets foot on the pitch he will staking a claim for a starting place.

With Dan Whiteman unavailable due to work commitments, Brock Price will make his 1st XV debut having put in a good performance for the Ravens at Brentwood last weekend. Brock will start at blindside flanker with Oliver Pickett moving across to the open side. You can find out more about Brock in this weekend's match day programme. Eli Castle retains his place at Number 8 after another excellent performance last weekend when he collected a hat-trick of tries against Ruislip. To be honest, Eli appears to be playing better than ever, he takes the ball at pace and has an uncanny knack of picking the right line at the right time.

Matt Wadling continues at scrum half and alongside him is the very talented Brett Cutbush who has the skill set, knowledge and ability to cover almost any role in the backline; today Brett will resume at 10 after taking a rest last weekend. The new centre partnership will be really interesting with recently re-signed Ben Murphy moving to 12 alongside Francois Rossouw. In his last spell at Colchester Ben Murphy primarily plied his trade in the back row, but for a number of years Anthony O'Riordan was absolutely convinced that Ben has the right skillset to become a high class centre. Having looked back over the match videos from 2017-18 it was the Priorians centre partnership that proved to be there most effective weapon. Both centres were tall, hard running ball players who hit hard lines off off-loads from the forwards pack. If their approach hasn't drastically changed our defence will be given a stern test this weekend. The back three of Brennan, Crozier and Brambley remains unchanged. As a unit and individuals all three have been a constant threat this season. Damien Brambley has been almost 'untouchable' at full back; so many tries have been generated by his unpredictable counter attacking style and in my opinion, like Eli Castle, he is in the form of his life. Finally, regarding selection, 17 of the 18-man 1st XV squad came through the Colchester ranks.

The bench is also full of high quality players. Jerone Awesu and Dan Brennan will cover the forwards and Harry Barton will provide back cover. We are so pleased to have Harry back at Colchester; he's a great team player who plays and trains with total commitment.

On Sunday our Colts are in action at Mill Road, taking on their counterparts from Stowmarket in a 12.30pm kick off. As well as retaining our first year colts from 2017-18 there is a new crop of players who have graduated from our Under 16 squad. I would encourage you to come along and support our stars of the future.