SKIPPER Dan Whiteman insists there is more to come from Colchester Rugby Club - despite their perfect start to the season.

The Blacks have won all four of their opening London One North games and lie second behind leaders North Walsham in the table.

Colchester make the short trip to play Essex rivals Southend Saxons this weekend and head into the match in winning form.

Nevertheless, long-serving flanker Whiteman says there is still room for improvement.

Whiteman said: "It's been a good start to the season and we're happy with the progress that we've made so far.

"But we feel there's more to come and we're hoping for a few more bonus points.

"After last Saturday (against Amersham and Chiltern), we were a bit disappointed with the way we finished.

"I think the phrase is that we're winning ugly at the moment but going forward, we're building every week.

"We have a few new players in the side from last season and we have a couple of players returning from injury or have been away and have come back.

"There's also a few college boys who are 18 or 19 who have come in.

"It'll be a tough game against Southend.

"We have a bit of history with them and I'm sure it'll be a very competitive match.

"Last time we played them it was close and it could well be the same again."

Whiteman is relishing his new role as captain, after succeeding Liam Pickett in the position in the summer.

"I'm really enjoying it," said Whiteman, who has been pulling on the club's black jersey since he was five years old.

"It's extra motivation and I'm working hard and leading by example.

"I'm enjoying the responsibility of making decisions on the pitch."

Whiteman says Colchester's players are enjoying working with head coach Ben Scully, who has arrived from Sudbury.

He said: "Ben has brought in a fresh new energy into the team.

"The boys are enjoying his methods of coaching and have bought into the way he's putting on sessions.

"That has shown by the fact that we've had training matches of 15 v 15."

Former Colchester RFC youngster Lewis Ludlam is currently impressing for England at the Rugby World Cup, in Japan.

"It's been excellent to see Lewis doing so well for England," added Whiteman, whose mother Maggie is Colchester RFC president.

"I can't think of too many other players who have played for Colchester who have played in a World Cup."