COLCHESTER Rugby Club captain James Mitchell hailed the squad’s togetherness as the main reason for their magnificent season, writes EDWARD MARRIAGE.

The Blacks are celebrating after clinching promotion to the fourth level of English rugby, with two matches of the season to spare.

Mitchell said: “The players have made a lot of sacrifices away from the game, but the whole senior squad have worked so hard this year.

“There was a lot of belief coming into the season, we knew what we were going to do. We stuck together.

“We’re a really close group of guys who want to work for each other every single week, buying into what Craig and Mikey want us to do.

“A real team has been created this year.”

Gazette:

Colchester head coach Craig Burrows was delighted with the togetherness evident within his promotion-winning squad.

Burrows said: “There’s a hell of a good bond amongst the players. That never-say-die attitude, where we’ve often been down in the first half of games but come back to dominate the second half."

Burrows conceded that now promotion has been secured, building to the new campaign in a new league is the priority.

He said: “The hard work starts now and I’m looking forward to what next season will bring.”

Before that, Burrows is insistent that the team win the last two matches.

Burrows said: “Our next focus is the home game against Tring and the following one against Hertford, and we want to go out victorious on both of those occasions.”

Gazette:

Colchester club chairman Karl O’Brien is already confident for the new season and the challenges it will bring.

O'Brien said: “The whole team played absolutely fantastically, really stepped up to the plate and followed the coaches’ orders all the way through. A really professional performance throughout.

“It’s onwards and upwards for a whole new era for the club. Craig and I have already been talking about the future and the potential that’s there.

“Quite a few players have already approached us. We’ve got quite a few options and we feel confident for next year.”

In the immediate future, the players, management and supporters are guaranteeing a party atmosphere at this Saturday’s final home match against Tring.