We're down to the business end of the season, and the 1st XV need to be faultless and deliver 3 consecutive wins, to try and retain their league status for next season. The first of the three upcoming tests sees Chelmsford visit HDL for a crunch encounter on Saturday. Chelmsford are one of the teams within reach for Jim Clark's boys, so it is a true "10-pointer" encounter.

Another decent performance away at league leaders Letchworth Garden City last weekend, was ultimately unrewarded, with the lads coming home with 19 points on the scoreboard, but without a bonus point in their loss. Chelmsford also played a high-flying team in Eton Manor and suffered a heavy 78-5 reverse last time out. In the away fixture back in September, Chelmsford took the spoils 34-14, but with Harry Butler, Leroy O'Neil and Adam Clark welcomed back into the squad after injury and unavailability, the team will be looking to turn that result on its head.

A big home support will be needed to cheer on the lads - with the bar open from midday and the game kicking off at 3pm. Do hang around after the game, as the England v Wales 6 nations game from Cardiff will be shown on the big screens, kicking off at 1645.

The Magpies are also hunting for a win, as they visit Sudbury II on Saturday. Sudbury also lie a couple of places above the II's, so it is a winnable game for Oli Hall & Adam Pickering's charges, as they look to finish the season on the front foot.

Sunday is a busy day at the club. The women take centre stage with their first league match since 15th January's win against West Norfolk. They entertain Woodbridge ladies at HDL, with kick off at 2.30pm. Come down and see if the Scorpions can win one of their games in hand and spring back above Colchester into second place in National Challenge 2.

There is plenty of earlier action taking place at home, with Suffolk Cup action for our U15s (v Stowmarket YM) and U16s (v Bury) both kicking off at 10.30am. The Athenas then spring into action, taking on Eton Manor at midday, across multiple age groups.

Away from HDL the Colts travel to Cambridge in their Eastern Counties cup encounter, qith the U13s also heading down the A14 to take on Newmarket. Our minis descend on mass to Woodbridge in the morning to complete a busy weekend of rugby for the whole club this weekend!

Go well all those in Black and Gold!!