COLCHESTER RUFC head coach Anthony O’Riordan is expecting some tough games ahead despite a stunning start to the year.

The Mill Road side have yet to lose a game in 2016, their 48-5 win last weekend against Westcliff was their fifth in a row since the Christmas break.

Saturday’s victory along with their successes against Chichester, Eton Manor, Wimbledon and Bracknell turned around a six-game National League division three London and South East losing run.

The recent successes have boosted O’Riordan’s side in their inaugural season in the National League following their historic promotion last year.

Their five consecutive wins came against sides who are now lower than Colchester in the table.

However, the Blacks performance has improved week on week and they are now turning what used to be narrow defeats into wins.

With seven games remaining in the league season Colchester now only face one side below them in the table.

O’Riordan said: “Our next run of games looks tougher, but with this much confidence and momentum I believe we’ll take more scalps.

“We’re certainly capable and talented enough to cause a few surprises.

“We’ve got some really good players and it’s not like we’re hanging in there by the skin of our teeth. We’re winning and winning well.”

Colchester’s first in a run of tough games comes at East Grinstead on Saturday.

Grinstead are sitting third in the table having won 14, drawn one and lost four games this season.

However, one of those defeats was an 18-17 reverse by Colchester at Mill Road back in November and O’Riordan’s men will be using that win to motivate themselves tomorrow.

But, it will be a tough task as Saturday’s hosts have only lost once in their last 11 games.