Colchester get back to National League rugby action after the rest weekend with a visit to high-flying Old Albanians on Saturday.

It’s the first of a series of four tough matches against teams in the top five of National 2 East after an encouraging opening to the season for Colchester.

The Blacks lie seventh in the table after picking up three wins and 21 points from their first block of seven matches, but coaches and players alike know the really hard work starts here.

Old Albanians are fourth in the league with five wins to their name; one of only two defeats coming last time out when they lost 46-27 at Henley.

But with 45 tries scored this season, and unbeaten at home, OAs are going to be a real challenge for Colchester, who have had two weeks off since their last match, giving players a chance to rest and regroup.

“We’re looking forward to the next part of the league,” said head coach Mike Haywood. “We’ve got Oundle coming up and OAs, Dorking and Esher. Those are exciting games.

“We want to put ourselves up against the teams at the top of the league and see where we stand. From that point of view it’s super exciting.”

The last time the teams met, in the 2024/25 season, OAs did the home and away double over Colchester.

Old Albanians’ ground outside St Albans is one of Colchester’s shortest trips this season, so there should be a big turn out of away supporters for the 3pm kick-off.

Meanwhile, The Ravens will be looking for a third successive victory as they play Ipswich at Raven Park (kick-off 3pm).

After a difficult start to their league campaign, the 2s have rocketed up to fourth place in Counties 1 Eastern Counties, their latest victory a terrific 39-5 win at West Norfolk.

Ipswich come into the match off the back of a 17-17 home draw with Newmarket and are one place below The Ravens in the table, so a close match looks likely.

Before kick-off, the first of two X-Player lunches this season is taking place in the club house.

Colchester As - third in Eastern Counties Division 1 South following last week’s 41-13 win over Ipswich 2s - travel to fifth placed Braintree 2s (kick-off 2.30pm)

The Cavaliers entertain Clacton Kestrels (kick-off 2.30pm) buoyed by last week’s 70-5 win against Ipswich 3s which took them to fourth place in division 2.

On Sunday, the Iceni travel to Cheshunt Ladies in NC 1 Midlands East (kick-off 2.15pm).

The Iceni are third in the league with two wins under their belts from three matches this campaign, while bottom team Cheshunt are still looking for their first win.