Colchester bring the curtain down on 2025 with an Essex derby against Westcliff at Raven Park on Saturday, as The Blacks aim to go into the New Year with their unbeaten record intact.

The pre-Christmas match is always a huge occasion, with a sell-out 250 people booked in for lunch ahead of what is sure to be a keenly contested encounter.

While Westcliff are eighth in Regional 1 South East, the first match between the sides at the Gables back in September was a nail-biting affair, Colchester only getting home thanks to a last gasp Chris Dudman penalty which secured a 22-19 win.

The south Essex side come into the match fresh from an impressive 59-33 win over Hertford, while Colchester made it 12 wins from 12 matches with a 27-17 victory at Medway.

That was another highly physical encounter, and it seems likely that Saturday’s match (kick-off 3pm) will see some changes in personnel due to injuries picked up last week in Kent.

“We know it’s a big game for us,” said head coach Mike Haywood. “If we can go into next year with 13 wins it would be unbelievable.

“We’ve got a really good, talented group and we’re having to show our strength in depth because we’re getting injuries and illness – it’s that time of year. But all eyes are now on this week.”

On another busy day for the club, all four senior men’s teams are in action.

The Ravens take to the road again, making the short journey to Ipswich for their latest Counties Eastern Counties fixture (kick-off 3pm). The 2s came up short 52-25 against a very strong Stowmarket team last time out but will be hopeful of a good performance against a side four places below them in the league.

The As are at home to Ipswich 3s (kick-off 2pm) and will aim to build on their impressive 45-26 win at Stowmarket 2s last week as they continue to go well in Eastern Counties Greene King division 1 south.

The Cavaliers are away to Mersea Island Rhinos (kick-off 2pm) in division 2 south, and they too had an encouraging 64-5 win at home to Clacton Kestrels last weekend.

With all teams heading into a well-earned three-week break over the Christmas and New Year holidays, this is a last chance for the club’s loyal supporters to get behind the players and at the same time raise a glass or two of festive cheer.