Five Nations International weekend sees a lull in the local action as clubs prepare for big matches the following weekend.

However, there are several interesting fixtures, none more so than the game which sees London North East Two outfit Colchester entertain Chelmsford, who are top of London North East Three (kick-off 12.30pm).

Colchester have had a couple of great league results that have put them in with a chance of pulling off a great Houdini escape from relegation - and Saturday's clash will give them a chance to prepare for the all-important league visit to Lowestoft and Yarmouth the following weekend.

"It's a big game for us and we have something to prove tomorrow," said club skipper Roy Abrehart.

"We beat Bury from North London Three earlier in the season and hope that we win against Chelmsford."

Hooker Abrehart will be joined in the front row by props Pascal Legal and Julian Hempstead.

They come in for the rested forward's coach Tim Grimsey and Pete Walker. Chelmsford are also taking the game seriously and will be looking for a confidence-booster before their league clash with Bury St Edmunds.

They have not lost since Christmas but will be resting three players who were injured last week against Canvey, including second rower Lawrence Crispin, who aggravated an ankle injury.

News is not good from the Braintree camp.

Prevailing injuries have forced them to forfeit their East Counties Cup clash against Thurrock as they prepare for an important home tie against Romford and Gidea Park the following weekend.

Braintree recently sent Colchester tumbling out of the event and do not have a fixture this weekend.

Mersea will also be resting tomorrow but are trying to rearrange a fixture for next Saturday in preparation for the Suffolk Plate Final at home to Thurston on Sunday, March 21.

Their original fixture against Billericay was called off.

Mistley will be fielding a mixed XV when they visit Harwich 3rds (kick-off 2pm). Veteran Nigel Brown, 43, who hobbled off in the 27-17 defeat against Norwich Union last week, has threatened a comeback in a side which sees two youngsters getting their chance.

Winger James Brown will make his first start for the club, having put in an excellent performance when coming on to score in the league match last week, and there is also a debut for Craig Wood at fly-half.

Wood has never played in the number-ten shirt before, having played fullback. Coach Nigel Brown said: "It will be a good opportunity to give the youngsters a run and we are hoping for big things next season.

"There was only one side in it after ten minutes against Norwich Union last week.

"We were 10-0 up then and know we are capable of winning games. I'm hoping that the club will show its true colours next season."

Harwich are comfortable in the knowledge that they have consolidated their league position after relegation last season and are looking to finish fourth or fifth in the league.

However, with several of their players in Dublin for the international, there isn't a 1st XV match.

Brightlingsea have also sent a delegation for the Ireland-England clash, so will field a mixed XV at home to Sudbury.

The club is almost certain of the Eastern Counties Four title as Norwich Union would need a cricket score to take the championship off them when the two sides meet on March 27.

Earlier today, a bus load of Claction members set-off for a tour to Amsterdam, with the club playing one game tomorrow.

Then it's back to business with a league clash against Norwich Union the following weekend.

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