Unbeaten Brightlingsea go in to their last match of the season knowing that only a 100-plus points defeat at the hands of second placed Norwich Union will cost them the East Counties Four title.

Brightlingsea have won all seven league games, and are at full strength for the home clash (3pm) except for skipper Adam Brown who is unavailable.

Number-eight Ian Day takes over the captaincy, while Graham Williams will step into the back-row slot vacated by Brown.

"We are on the up at the moment and on a bit of a roll," said Gould. "Spirits are high and we are looking to end the league season with a good win," he added.

Supporters are welcome to join in the pre-match VIP lunch (1pm) and tickets at £10 each can be booked through Gould on 01206 304022.

Mistley have finished their league season, but travel for a friendly against Old Edwardians 2nds.

Earlier in the season Mistley had a comfortable victory, and coach Nigel Brown is expecting a similar result tomorrow. "It's now about enjoying our rugby and trying a few things out," said Brown.

"I take my hat off to Brightlingsea, they have had an excellent season. "But things are starting to happen here with some good youngsters coming through our aim is to finish the remainder of the season unbeaten.

"Next season will be Mistley's season, and we will follow in Brightlingsea's footsteps."

Harwich have a slightly more difficult task on their hands when they travel to face East Counties Two champions, Billericay.

But they will be travelling with a much weakened side after the withdrawal of 'Chips' Carter, Andy Leeks, Simon Howard, Terry Cannell and Ritchie Woods.

Skipper, Phil Armstrong, said: "We've got a weak side but we are going for a result and aren't frightened of them.

"We lost 24-0 at home earlier in the season, and I'm quite hopeful of a result. I don't believe that they will crush us as they have other teams in the division this season."

Andy Bray (second-row) and Dave Steer (centre) will come in as two of the replacements, and others will be chosen nearer the kick-off.

In the same division, Suffolk Plate winners Mersea Island have an all important clash, entertaining second placed South Woodham, both teams having to face Billericay in their final games.

If the visitors win the game, they would win promotion along with the champions, so Mersea need to win, and then beat Billericay in their final league game.

Due to a couple of injuries gritty front-row forward Tommy Johnstone returns to the fray after a long absence, and student Steve Daniel comes in to the second-row.

The Islanders will be hoping that they can continue their excellent run since Christmas, that has seen them win seven out of eight games, scoring over 250 points in the process.

In the previous meeting Mersea lost out 17-15 in a game that they should have won.

Mersea: Blacklock, Thomson, Johnstone, Evans, Ackerman, Daniels, Taylor, Palmer, Haycock (capt), Williams, Hambilton, Le Marquand, S Priestley, Longman, Stu Priestley, Newton and Stevens.

Colchester, already relegated from London North Two, entertain Old Veralaniums (St. Albans) in their final league game (3pm).

Colchester: Francis, Myles, Little, Holmes, Cook, Spowart, Calasby, Hempstead, Abrehart (capt), Legal, Pellow, Norton, Hamilton, Dean and Morton.

Braintree are almost certain to stay in London North Two after a terrible season for injuries.

They travel to take on a Cambridge side who need a victory for the championship.

Back from work commitments, Nigel Bartrum returns to the front-row. But in the backs Andy Tunningley and Paul Spelman are unavailable, so Michael Gaskell and Chris Copsey are added to the squad.

Braintree: Gaskell, Gibson, Regan, Lewis, Page, Wadforth, Holyoak, Bartrum, Sewell, Bartholomew, Smith, Saward, Haylock, Brand and Lewis.

Chelmsford travel to Wymondham and only defeat may rob them of the London North Three championship.

Chelmsford are two league points ahead of second placed Shelford, and have a points total advantage of over 80.

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