COLCHESTER-BASED Eastern Rhinos started their summer rugby league season with a successful trip to the Rotterdam 9s competition in the Netherlands.

But they suffered the disappointment of a golden point defeat by Brussels Gorillas, in the grand final.

Rhinos Head Coach and tour organiser Peter Le Marquand said: “We played some excellent rugby league.

"The atmosphere and welcome in Rotterdam was great and it has been a great team building exercise with the start of the new season only a week away.”

The competition was competed for by ten sides from six countries, including Serbia.

The Rhinos quickly progressed through the early rounds and brushed Rotterdam Pit Bulls aside 30-4 in the semi-final, to meet Brussels Gorillas in the final.

But the Rhinos had picked a number of injuries and some players had to play on despite injury to field a full team in the final.

With the sides level on points at 14-14 at the end of full-time and extra-time, the final was decided by the first side to score.

And The Rhinos suffered the disappointment of losing out when the Gorillas scored the golden points with a try to lift the trophy, 18-14.

The Rhinos have a friendly against North Herts at Colchester Rugby Club on Saturday, kick-off 2pm.

They then kick-off the new league season with a home game against Hammersmith Hill Hoists on April 28 at Mill Road, kick-off 2.30pm.