COLCHESTER Rugby Club head coach Craig Burrows was a happy man after the first public hit-out for the club’s extended squad, as the new league season gets ever closer, writes EDWARD MARRIAGE.

Nearly 40 players got a chance to strut their stuff in a series of short form inter-squad matches, which was hastily arranged after Maidenhead pulled out of the planned match, claiming that they were unable to raise a team.

Several of Colchester’s summer signings were given a run out, as well as members of the squad who helped the Blacks to third place in Regional 1 South East last season, and several promising second and third team players also got a chance to impress, ahead of the new season.

Plenty of tries were scored in the truncated 15-minute sessions of play with – just for the record – stalwart prop Alex Mitchell claiming the first try of the season at Raven Park.

“We achieved a lot of what we wanted to,” said Burrows. “It was nice for the guys to get hands on ball and a bit of contact as well. It was a very positive session.

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“We made a couple of changes to see what different combinations would look like.

"It’s about the players getting to know one another.”

With a big squad to select from, and more players - including those currently serving with the army -still to return, Burrows has some big decisions to make.

“Some lads stuck their hands up today which makes it interesting going into selection but we’ll have a good look.”

Preparations for the new season step up further on Saturday with a pre-season friendly at Raven Park against Westcombe Park, the champions of Colchester’s league last season (kick-off 3pm).

Colchester’s Regional 1 South East league season starts at home to Hertford, on September 2.