Colchester wrapped up their season of success with a 45-34 win over the league’s bottom team Shelford, before lifting the champions’ trophy in front of their jubilant supporters.

With Colchester already assured of promotion and their opponents’ relegation also confirmed, there was an end-of-season feel to the match.

But while there may have been little to play for, both teams’ willingness to fling the ball around, resulting in 13 tries, made for high entertainment.

Compared to the side which succumbed to Amersham in their previous outing, Colchester fielded a significantly strengthened line-up, but that didn’t stop the injury curse striking again.

First number 8 Sean Bundy, returning after an injury-hit season and back to his storming best, had to be helped off with a leg injury on 20 minutes.

Later Ross Taylor, like Bundy making a welcome return after a lengthy lay-off, was forced off with a knee injury.

Colchester had raced into a 12-0 lead inside 10 minutes as first Louis Martin bounced off tackles to score then Francois Rossouw crossed from a close-range penalty.

On their first incursion into Colchester territory, Shelford scored through Fijian wing Tui Baleisolomone, before Alex Gerard restored Colchester’s two-try advantage after a terrific break down the right by Martin.

Bundy’s departure seemed to stall Colchester’s momentum, and Shelford had their second try, fullback Theo Aubrey crossing in the corner.

With Bundy’s replacement Taylor forced off, Colchester had their bonus point as the ball was sent right from the restart and Findlay Gilmour found himself in plenty of space to gallop over.

Joe Pattinson, starting at flyhalf, converting three of the tries, and Colchester led 26-10 at the break.

Shelford struck first in a ding-dong, end-to-end second half, the visitors mauling over from a line-out, Oli Emsley touching down.

A characteristic bust through the middle by Danny Whiteman set up Jack Daly to score Colchester’s fifth on 50 minutes.

Two quick-fire tries by Osian Williams then got Shelford to within six point of their hosts, before a lightening break by Jonah Varela and a quickly taken penalty saw Martin cross for his second to restore order.

Whiteman was again involved for Colchester’s seventh try. The openside found replacement Alex Pybus who freed his front row colleague Rossouw to swoop in for his second, Pattinson kicking his fifth conversion.

Shelford had the last say as the referee awarded them a penalty try, captain Cam Kerr going to the bin for pulling down the maul.

Head coach Mike Haywood was delighted with the bounce back after the Amersham defeat.

“We spoke about wanting to keep that home record leading into National 2. Credit to the guys, they just stuck at it. They’ve worked so hard on and off the pitch.

“After being relegated last season to come back up within a year is a huge achievement and we’re just excited to see what National League rugby looks like next season.”

Findlay Gilmour was named player-of-the-match by sponsors Marcon Construction while Jonah Varela took the coaches’ gong, courtesy of the Lexden Crown.

There was also a special presentation to Haydn Sykes who led the team out on his 50th first team appearance.

The Ravens lost 50-27 at Stowmarket but look to be safe from relegation in their league.

The As had a terrific 12-6 win against Mistley in a league match which also doubled as a Silver Cup quarter-final and now play Stowmarket 2s in the semi-final at home next Saturday.

The Cavaliers won 59-29 at Clacton.