COLCHESTER Rugby Club are ready and prepared for life in the national league.

The Mill Road side secured the London and South East League division one north title and promotion with an 18-18 draw at second-placed Eton Manor.

The long-time leaders had been two points ahead of their hosts in the division before Saturday’s crunch clash with either side being able to take the title.

Tries from Calum Irvine and Liam Pickett and the boot of David Higgins secured Colchester’s points and the crown.

Head coach Anthony O’Riordan is already looking ahead to the new season and believes the club is already prepared to make the step up to the national league.

O’Riordan said: “I think the infrastructure, facilities and resources at the club are spot on.

“When myself, Lee Soper and Nic Lloyd took over at the club we were looking ahead two to three years, not focusing just on this season.

“Our aim was always to attain national league status but we were trying to grow a culture of rugby at the club.

“And with the training and everything else that is in place at the club I think we are already operating at national league level.”

Colchester scored 1,228 points this season, the highest total in English rugby and were unbeaten for 25 consecutive games.