COLCHESTER and East Essex chairman Andrew Kennedy admits it is essential that they bounce back from their home defeat at the hands of Chelmsford.

The Castle Park side travel to play second-placed Hornchurch in the Shepherd Neame Essex League premier division tomorrow, still hurting from their defeat at the hands of the county capital’s side.

Colchester remain fourth in the table despite their defeat last weekend and Kennedy knows that it is imperative that they get a result tomorrow, if they are to keep their title hopes alive.

Kennedy told the Daily Gazette: “There are five teams in it now, at the top.

“I think the top five are all in with a shout of the title and I think how we do against each other will play a big part in what happens.

“The key for us on Saturday will be to bounce back from our setback against Chelmsford and not dwell on the disappointment of losing that game.

“Hornchurch have had a couple of losses recently but it’ll be a tough game for us.”

Ben Stephens has been included in the squad for the Hornchurch game, despite being hampered with a twisted ankle against Chelmsford last weekend.

Former captain Julian Russell is unavailable, so Jack Crace has been recalled to the first-team squad.

Colchester will be aiming to reach Dukes Essex Twenty20 Finals Day when they travel to play Harlow in the quarter-finals, on Sunday.

The current holders are in good form in the format, having beaten Little Bardfield Village and Great Bentley in their triangular tournament at Castle Park, last weekend.

Colchester II host Southend on Sea in the second XI premier division tomorrow, while in third XI division one, Colchester III are at home to Wanstead at Colchester Rugby Club.