Colchester Rugby Union Club has just gone through one of its most difficult periods, having only just registered its first victory of the season on Saturday, a 20-10 win at Bury St Edmunds.

But one man who now believes the club has turned the corner is the club's director of rugby, Tony Perry, 39, whose enthusiasm for the town club shone through when I spoke to him during club training.

"l feel that we have turned the corner, that there is renewed enthusiasm throughout the club, and we are in a position to give it our best shot to save the season," he said.

"We must now remain determined to the end of the season and leave absolutely nothing to chance.

"We suffered significant squad losses due to certain things including our playing record, and we have attempted to rebuild, in my eyes, with success.

"The club has made a genuine effort to improve its organisation and performance, and overcome some of the problems that have dogged us in the past.

"I am positive that we should do a lot better, and our second and third XVs are close to the top of their divisions, and the fourths and fifths are holding their own."

Colchester entertain Bishop's Stortford on Saturday (kick-off 2.15pm) in a London League 2 North fixture, still looking for their first league victory of the season.

Relegation would be a huge blow for the club, but general feeling is that now that their troubles have been put behind them, there is only one way to go, and that is up.

Tony added: "We have a very successful junior section that will come to our rescue in future seasons, with home grown talent coming through.

The club already boasts some big names that have come through the junior ranks, and there is no reason why that shouldn't continue."

Some of the players that Tony was pointing to include the likes of Richard Acland (England Colts and England Schools), Matt Barnham (England Colleges and Wasps), Scott Gregory (Saracens), Nick Stainton (Captain of Warwickshire under-21s and Coventry), and Andrew Callan (Oxford University Blue at rugby union and rowing).

But he also wanted to make one point very clear.

"Whatever the level of players wanting to come here and play rugby, there will be a team for them to play in.

"In my capacity as director of rugby I want to make the game available to all level of players, whatever their ability, and it is very important that there is rugby for them to play and enjoy at a competitive level here at the club.

"We are always looking for new players and everyone from the age of seven to seniors will be made more than welcome at the club."

Tony, an ex-1st XV skipper at the club, still plays and his wife Amanda a former Iceni Ladies team player, who is expecting their first child later this month, also lends valuable help by coaching the club's under-sevens team.

And a man who echoes Tony's sentiments, is Tim Grimsey, the club's youth liaison officer, who has just taken responsibility for coaching the 1st XV forwards.

Tim, 33, a teacher at Alresford Primary School, played rugby for Brightlingsea in his younger days, but moved to Colchester when he was chosen for Eastern Counties.

He will coach alongside Chris Spowart, and has no doubts that the partnership will work out.

"We get on very well together and I am very confident and excited about the club's future.

"I took charge last Saturday and was delighted with the outcome - the boys proved just what they can do, and I am confident that the side that has been chosen for Saturday's league game, can win it for us. I know that we can get the players to perform on the day.

"We have got a bit of strength in depth but we also have positions to strengthen. My job is to get those new players in to strengthen the side, and I signed four new boys last week.

"We should be a national league team with the set-up we have here, and that is our target, starting with consolidation this season, and then climbing up the leagues as from next season.

"It's a shame that the club is where it is at the moment - I have a lot of love for Colchester Rugby Club after what it's done for me, as I would not have played to the levels I have without the club.

"It's nice to be able to give them something back and that is what I aim to do."

Tim's enthusiasm for the game sees him involved at all possible levels in the area. From coaching youngsters touch rugby at Alresford Primary, he then coaches at Colne Community School, Brightlingsea, before also taking on the coach's role at Colchester Sixth Form College.

He added: "It would be possible for me to take on a youngster at a very early age, coach them through their primary, secondary and then Sixth Form education, and then senior rugby up to the 1st XV at the club.

"I would just like to urge any youngsters that want to play the game to come down to the club on a Sunday morning, whatever their ability. It doesn't matter about ability, what matters is playing and enjoying the game of rugby union."

Whatever Colchester RFC's outcome this season, there is little doubt in my mind that there is enough enthusiasm, heart and love for the game to see them through one of the roughest patches in the club's history.

One thing, as in all sport, their hopes could not be upheld without the valuable sponsorship they receive throughout the season, their main sponsors being Osborne Garages, the local Honda/Mitsubishi dealers, and numerous other individual club sponsors.

And the final word must go to director of rugby, Tony Perry, who, tongue-in-cheek, joked: "I hope that people will come down and support us - we are on an unbeaten run this year!"

If you are interested in playing for the club, you will be more than welcome at Mill Road initially on Saturday afternoons (seniors), and Sunday mornings (juniors seven-year-olds and up).

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.