In these freezing conditions groundsmen and officials alike will be concerned over the condition of the pitches but weather conditions permitting a full programme of league rugby is scheduled to be played this Saturday.

Colchester surprisingly took their eyes off the ball last weekend when they lost by a single point away to Rochford Hundred. Nonetheless, they still proudly occupy second position in the league table. They now face their big test at home against leaders Thurrock. Colchester will take heart from their record at Mill Road where they average over 40 points per game. Thurrock do not score so freely away from home but their defence is formidable. Against this strong opposition the fast running Colchester team will have to work hard to bounce back to winning ways. Fourth placed Bury St Edmunds side are on a roll having scored 59 points last Saturday at Chingford. On this form Bury start as firm favourites in their fixture at home to Old Colfeians. Fifth placed Diss were taken apart last Saturday by high flying Letchworth Garden City. They will be hoping to bounce back in a home encounter with Chingford.

In London 2 Ipswich face Hampstead at Humber Doucy Lane. Hampstead have the superior playing record but Ipswich will be buoyed by the fact that victory will propel them into a position above their opponents in the league table. Fourth placed Lowestoft and Yarmouth are on the road to Canvey Island seeking to maintain their status but lowly Beccles from the foot of the table must travel with little expectation to face league leaders Romford and Gidea Park.

Stowmarket, highly placed in fourth position in London 3 travel to the bottom club East London with the prospect of a double in mind. Sudbury entertain Wymondham at their Great Cornard Ground. These sides are evenly matched and Sudbury will have to make the most of their home advantage if they are to overcome their opponents. Newmarket in the second relegation position are unlikely to have the strength to overcome South Woodham Ferrers away from home.

 The highest placed local side in the Greene King IPA Eastern Counties League 1 is Harwich and Dovercourt who have cemented their position in third place following promotion. They were however firmly put in their place last week by leaders Cantabrigian. They will be hoping lightning does not strike twice when they face second placed Wisbech at their Dovercourt ground this Saturday. Mersea Island have the unenviable task of hosting unbeaten Cantabrigian but Ipswich YM  will start as favourites in their home fixture against Crusaders. Woodbridge, precariously positioned in a relegation spot, have a challenging home fixture against West Norfolk. Woodbridge must search for victory if they are to have any chance of salvation.

 In Eastern Counties 2 leaders Hadleigh slipped up last weekend in an away game at Thetford. They will be expecting to redress the balance this Saturday at hapless Sawston. Mistley and Felixstowe face long journeys into Norfolk to honour their fixtures. Mistley travel to Norwich Union and Felixstowe are at Swaffham. Mildenhall Eagles enjoy home advantage in their game against Thetford.

In the Essex Leagues Clacton are on the road to Bancroft and Brightlingsea have a home fixture against Thames. 

The game at Colchester will kick off at 3pm. All other games are scheduled to kick off at 2.30pm.