MERSEA ISLAND RFC start their Eastern Counties League division one campaign away to Broadland-Great Yarmouth.

However, they will have to do without skipper Jon Williams, who has a back injury and cannot play until October.

The Welshman suffered the problem in training, his back went into a spasm and it turned out to be disc damage.

“I was in agony at the time and the next day, but thankfully it’s eased a bit since then,” said Williams. “I’m still going to be out for a few weeks, though, and it’s frustrating, because I’ve worked so hard on my fitness throughout the summer.

“I’ve got to be careful not to rush back, although thankfully we’ve only got two games this month so I won’t miss too much.”

Vice-captain Andrew Windridge – last season’s player-of-the-year – is also absent due to work commitments, so the team will be led by Jordan Day.