COLCHESTER and East Essex Cricket Club host leaders Shenfield in a top-of-the-table clash tomorrow.

Darren Eckford’s side know that a dominant win can take them to the summit of Shepherd Neame Essex League division one.

Colchester lie second in the table heading into the game at Castle Park, where they will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s narrow defeat at Fives and Heronians.

They are currently 24 points adrift of top side Shenfield, who are yet to taste defeat this season.

Colchester’s director of cricket Julian Russell said: “We’re looking forward to the game.

“Both sides have had a good start to the season and it’s a big game.

“We’ll be looking to bounce back and get the win.”

Just five points currently separate second-placed Colchester and Five and Heronians, who are fourth in the table.

A number of sides are battling to clinch the two available promotion spots and Russell admits it is a competitive division.

“I think it will be a tight division, this year,” said Russell, who is one of Colchester’s most experienced players.

“There are some strong teams in it and I’d like to think that we’re one of them.

“The teams that can find a way of winning will be up there and we know that we need to turn up every week and compete.”

Colchester are likely to be at near full strength for their game against Shenfield.

Russell is set to be available again while bowler Denson Narayan is set to return, after missing the defeat at Fives and Heronians.

Colchester’s second team make the trip to play Frenford tomorrow, in Second XI division one.

Andrew Kennedy’s side will be hoping to follow up their three-run win over Hutton with another victory, this weekend.