1st XV vs Luton
As we suspected, the Luton side that lined up against our 1st XV was a very different side to the one that we defeated earlier in the season by more than 100 points. Luton had managed to mobilise more of their first choice players for this encounter and it was abundantly clear from the first contact that this side were up for the challenge, rather randomly roared on by a bag piper (considering our geographical location!) they hit the breakdown hard and ran hard, direct lines - it was a good contest between two sides with contrasting approaches to the game.

Although we had secured the four crucial bonus point try just before half time, our opponents did not capitulate, their forwards ran aggressively at our lines, but ultimately they found it difficult to cope with our fifteen man game and players who could hit hard but also move the ball at pace. There was one moment of 'total rugby' that deserves a special mention - an absolutely 'outrageous' second half chip and a chase from prop James Mitchell to set up a try for our marauding full-back Matt Wadling - if you want to see it for yourself log on the @ColchesterRFC Twitter feed for a real treat!

Of the eight tries, we scored the majority of them came from rapid counter attacks - turning defence into points within seconds is our speciality. I know I am biased, but there can be no better counter attacking side at this level, at times the sheer pace and fluidity of our play was a joy to watch. For example, our second try came after skipper Dan Whiteman took a quick line out on the halfway line - twenty seconds and three passes later and Kevin Tavainasei touches down for a try in the opposite corner of the pitch - a simple try originating from intelligent rugby by our captain. It was good to see that Luton, despite the league position, came out swinging. The game was competitive and our opponents really pulled out all the stops, so much so that many of their supporters said that their performance was perhaps their most cohesive and committed on the season.

Due to a couple of injuries and tactical switches Anthony O'Riordan used seven of the eight available rotations - the most we have used this season. However, the side coped admirably with the changes and Dan Hexley and Max Payne, who came off the bench to participate for a least half of the 80 minutes, made good contributions. Hexley came on for twenty minutes in the first half to enable Ollie White to receive treatment for an ankle injury, then finished the game at hooker, enabling Dan Brennan to switch to the back row in order to cover for George Liversidge who left the field with a hand injury. Hexley tackled well and worked hard to sustain the pace set by the rest of the loose forwards. Max Payne made a really promising senior debut. Max was in no way fazed by the experience and followed the instructions he was given to the letter. Max spent the whole of the second half at outside centre alongside Tom Dufficy then later Kevin Tavainavesi. Considering Kevin and Max have less than a handful of senior games between them, they did exceptionally well and it is great to see young players coming to the fore and fitting seamlessly into the side. It's early days for both boys, but they have shown that they have the temperament to more than hold their own in the senior game. Tavainavesi maintained his superb run, scoring in every game he has played for the 1st XV, bagging two tries. David Higgins kicked precisely, converting seven of the eight tries and dancing through the Luton defensive lines to open the scoring with a try of his own.

Positional and tactical changes meant that a number of players were required to switch roles at different times throughout the game. For instance, Harrison Pickett switched between the back row and lock on a couple of occasions, but this did not impact negatively upon his performance. Harrison carried the ball with tremendous aggression, but also showed his skill and pace when he joined the line as part of swooping counter-attacks that stretched the Luton defence to breaking point on a number of occasions. This was Harrison's first full game since his return and his performance indicated to me that he is beginning to peak at just the right moment for the side - there are just eight games of the season remaining and big game players will be needed to meet the challenges looming on the horizon.

Next week
The 1st XV have a week off from league rugby due to the International break, but there are two absolutely crucial games on our radar - Eton Manor at home, followed by a trip to Magnolia Road to take on the league leaders Rochford Hundred. Expectations at Rochford will be exceptionally high. The big-spending South Essex side have a considerable lead at the top of London North 1, but with big money comes big expectations and you can bet that the Rochford players will be feeling the weight of home expectation on their shoulders when we meet on 16th February. The picture in London 1 South is far from clear. This weekend Brighton suffered a major blow to their automatic promotion hopes as they went down 7 - 13 to Sevenoaks. This result means Sevenoaks are just three points behind Brighton - any one of three sides could win that division and just eight points separate the top four sides, interestingly there's a thirty point gap between the 1st and 4th place sides in the North.

Ravens vs Shelford
On Saturday The Ravens hosted Shelford 2's at Mill Road. Unfortunately Shelford are finding it difficult to field two sides due to player availability and injuries, but they came to Mill Road with 12 players and the Ravens lent them sufficient players to make a 15 vs 15 contest; this gesture and example of co-operation enabled the game to be played. The Ravens took the points, the score was irrelevant and rugby was the clear winner. Our thanks go to Shelford for helping us fulfil the fixture and all the players on duty should give themselves a pat on the back for their commitment to the game. I am reliably informed by an unnamed source (thanks Andy...) that the highlight of the game came when 40+ veteran second row Andy Sutcliffe side-stepped a considerably younger (and more athletic!) Sam Lines when Sam filled in for our opponents! Depending upon the results of Thurrock, Chingford and Eton Manor, our Ravens could jump to 2nd spot in the Essex Merit table - check the club website later in the week for an update.

Roundheads vs Ipswich YM
The Roundheads were in action on Saturday. Unfortunately the Roundheads were missing a number of their regulars, but Bart Wilkinson managed to round up 11 willing volunteers to take on a 'youthful' Ipswich YM side. The youthful nature of the side was crucial as YM used their pace and energy to run in a number of breakaway tries, recording a 55 - 22 win over our evergreen Roundheads. A complete report from Neil Williams will be popping up on our social media during the course of the week.