COLCHESTER’S good start to the year continued with a great win over Westcliff.

The Mill Road side secured a National League division three London and South East 48-5 victory against visiting Westcliff to make it five wins out of five in 2016.

Good work from Danny Whiteman gave Colchester the lead when he charged down a kick and crossed to score an unconverted try.

Prop James Mitchell then put Colchester further in front when he muscled his way over the line for a try.

David Higgins added the conversion for a 12-0 lead.

James Crozier then increased the lead to 17-0 with a well-worked try.

And Crozier’s name was added to the scoresheet again when he added another try soon after.

Higgins converted for a 24-0 lead.

Just before half-time Westcliff got on the scoreboard when Rory Lane scored a try for the visitors.

After the break, Damien Brambley scored a converted try to put Colchester 31-5 up.

Jerone Awesu was then yellow-carded for not retreating ten metres at a penalty.

But going down to 14 men didn’t seem to bother Colchester as Jaid Wiltshire crossed for an unconverted try.

Callum Irvine put Colchester further in front when he chased a chip over the top to score under the posts.

Higgins added the conversion for a 43-5 lead.

Westcliff were then reduced to 14 when Lane was fellow carded for a late tackle.

And Colchester made the most of it when Irvine crossed for an unconverted try following a good run to make the final score 48-5.