Colchester face another huge challenge on the road this weekend as they make a first league visit to play Esher (kick-off 3pm).
The surrey side are second in National 2 East thanks to an eight-match winning streak, their only defeat coming on the opening day of the season when they lost to league leaders Oundle.
Last week, Esher won 38-27 at Henley, outscoring the Hawks by six tries to four.
Colchester, however, will travel with their confidence boosted by the thrilling 36-33 win over another in-form side, Dorking, last Saturday. In the process, the Blacks secured a ninth try bonus point from nine matches this campaign.
There has been individual recognition, too, for back row forward Ashton Webb, who scored a hat-trick of tries in the match and was rewarded by being named by National League Rugby as the Nat 2 East player-of-the-week.
Esher have seen a complete turn round in form this season under director of rugby Mike Brown, the former Harlequins and England full-back. Last season they finished fourth bottom of Nat 2 East, just one point above the relegation play-off slot.
The club are now aiming to get back to the heights they reached in 2009 when they spent two seasons in the Championship, the second tier of English rugby.
Colchester head coach Mike Haywood was a happy man after last weekend’s win against Dorking, while acknowledging that the team could do with tightening up in defence. But he is looking forward to this weekend’s encounter.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for us. I haven’t played away at Esher before so it’s going to be cool to go there and see what it’s like. It’s National League rugby – you never know what might happen.”
Meanwhile, it’s another busy weekend at Raven Park, with the 2s, 3s and 4s all in home action.
The Ravens return to league action after a rest weekend with a match against old rivals Newmarket (kick-off 3pm).
The teams are third and fourth respectively in Counties 1 Eastern Counties, but while the Ravens won their last match 45-34 against Ipswich, Newmarket lost 27-17 at home to league leaders Saffron Walden.
The As – top of Eastern Counties Division 1 South having won five of their six games this season – host tenth-placed Mistley 2s (kick-off TBC – please check the club’s social media for details).
The Cavaliers will be desperate to get back in action after a rest weekend and a home walkover win as they take on Brightlingsea (kick-off 2.30pm). The sides are second and third in Division 2 South.