Colchester’s first team return to Raven Park action on Saturday for their first home match for
a month, when they take on in-form Dorking (kick-off 3pm).
The Blacks come into the match off the back of two challenging matches on the road, first a
narrow defeat at Leicester Lions, then last week’s 47-22 reverse at Old Albanians.
Colchester are ninth in National 2 East and will have to be at their best against Dorking, who
are fourth in the league and on a six-match winning streak.
Despite last week’s defeat, Colchester will take heart from the spirited late comeback which
saw them score three tries in the last six minutes, so maintaining their record of having
secured a bonus point for four tries in each of their eight matches so far.
On top of that, head coach Mike Haywood chose to make wholesale changes at Old
Albanians, giving several of the squad players a first taste of action, and with many of the
new faces impressing, Haywood admitted that selection for this week’s match would involve
some difficult decisions.
“We love playing at home,” said Haywood. “The team thrive off playing in front of our fans.
It’s going to be a challenge; they’re a top team. The boys are excited and looking forward to
that. It’s going to be a real tussle.”
Since losing their opening two matches this campaign, Dorking have won their last six, a run
which included a victory over previously unbeaten Guernsey. Most recently they beat Henley
29-21 last week.
It’s a rest weekend for the Ravens, As and Cavaliers, but the Roman Ruins are in friendly
action against Maldon 3s at Raven Park (kick-off 2pm).
Then on Sunday, Colchester Iceni will be aiming to continue their great start to the season
with a visit to Norfolk to play Wymondham Wasps Women (kick-off TBC – please check the
club’s social media channels for details).
The Iceni are third in NC 1 Midlands (East) following last week’s impressive 58-24 win at
Cheshunt Ladies, which means they have won three of their four matches so far this season.
Wymondham are five points and two places below them in the table, so a close contest
looks certain.