Colchester Romans

Colchester Romans, the town’s only Rugby League club, take on Ipswich Rhinos A on Saturday in the play-off semi final of the London Amateur Rugby League (LARL). They got there after finishing second in the league behind Broadstairs Bulldogs and one place ahead of their sister side in Suffolk.

To have got so far in their first season of existence has been a remarkable achievement, particularly as the team has been built around a core of 16 year old players. “The youngsters have been very committed throughout the summer,” said coach Lee Tanner, “and as they develop they will become a formidable force.”

After losing the first two games of the season, the Romans’ confidence grew winning three and drawing one of their next four games before losing away at Broadstairs, but they clinched second place with a big win at prison side The Mount.

Club Secretary Andrew Sarek believes the club has a bright future. “We have been successful with a home grown young team, without relying on foreign imports or the garrison for our players.” Sarek said. “We have attracted people from all over North East Essex who want to have a go at Rugby League, particularly as it greatly improves fitness and tackling skills giving them an edge when the Rugby Union season starts next month.”

Colchester Romans and Ipswich Rhinos A have already met twice this season, with the Rhinos winning narrowly in the first game back in May, but the Romans got their revenge with a 27-16 victory at Ipswich four weeks later. Although both sides work together to feed players into the Ipswich Rhinos Premier team, they will be equally keen to represent the area in the Grand Final on 13 August. Kick off at Mill Road is at 2:30pm, and as many supporters as possible are encouraged to come along.

13 Aug 05	Colchester went down 14-40 in the LARL Grand Final to a very strong Broadstairs Bulldogs team who were deserved winners. Match report and pictures
06 Aug 05	Colchester Romans overcame a strong and experienced Ipswich Rhinos A side to reach the LARL Grand Final. Match report and pictures. They will meet Broadstairs Bulldogs at Storm Park, Croydon, kick-off 4:15.
01 Aug 05	The winner of Saturday's semi-final will play either Broadstairs Bulldogs or Met Police at South London Storm's ground in Croydon. The game will kick-off at 4:15 and will follow the Premier South Play off final between South London and either West London Sharks or Ipswich Rhinos.
30 Jul 05	Colchester Romans, the town’s only Rugby League club, take on Ipswich Rhinos A on Saturday in the play-off semi final of the London Amateur Rugby League (LARL). They got there after finishing second in the league behind Broadstairs Bulldogs and one place ahead of their sister side in Suffolk. To have got so far in their first season of existence has been a remarkable achievement, particularly as the team has been built around a core of 16 year old players. “The youngsters have been very committed throughout the summer,” said coach Lee Tanner, “and as they develop they will become a formidable force.” After losing the first two games of the season, the Romans’ confidence grew winning three and drawing one of their next four games before losing away at Broadstairs, but they clinched second place with a big win at prison side The Mount. Club Secretary Andrew Sarek believes the club has a bright future. “We have been successful with a home grown young team, without relying on foreign imports or the garrison for our players.” Sarek said. “We have attracted people from all over North East Essex who want to have a go at Rugby League, particularly as it greatly improves fitness and tackling skills giving them an edge when the Rugby Union season starts next month.” Colchester Romans and Ipswich Rhinos A have already met twice this season, with the Rhinos winning narrowly in the first game back in May, but the Romans got their revenge with a 27-16 victory at Ipswich four weeks later. Although both sides work together to feed players into the Ipswich Rhinos Premier team, they will be equally keen to represent the area in the Grand Final on 13 August. Kick off at Mill Road is at 2:30pm, and as many supporters as possible are encouraged to come along.
23 Jul 05	Colchester Romans powered into the semi finals of the London League play-offs with a ten try demolition of prison side The Mount. Match report
17 Jul 05	Following Saturday's results, Colchester cannot finish lower than third in the table whatever the result in their last league game. If Ipswich lose at Feltham and Colchester win the HMP The Mount, Colchester will finish second. Third place will give the Romans a home tie in the first round of the play-off on 30 July, probably against Kent Ravens, then a semi-final against Ipswich away on 6 August. Second place would see Colchester go straight to the semi finals where they would have a home tie against either Ipswich or Kent. the Grand Final is on 13 August, venue TBA. All players should make sure that they are available for the next four Saturdays, 23 & 30 July, 6 & 13 August.
14 Jul 05	The planned friendly fixture away at St Albans Centurions has been cancelled after St Albans could not raise a side.
08 Jul 05	The Romans will play a friendly fixture away against St Albans Centurions A on 16 July. St Albans are unbeaten in the East Division of the Conference, and although it will be a challenging game it will be a chance to see how Colchester might fare in the division they hope to compete in next season.
02 Jul 05	Colchester extended their unbeaten run to four games, comfortably beating an under strength Kent Ravens 56-13. Match report
30 Jun 05	Met Police have cancelled the planned fixture on 16 July against Colchester, but the Romans have picked up an extra fixture on 23 July at HMP The Mount.
18 Jun 05	Colchester showed how far they had progressed by getting revenge for the narrow defeat by Ipswich Rhinos II in their first game. Match report
11 Jun 05	Colchester Romans came from 42-14 down to score six tries in the last 20 minutes to earn a 42-42 draw with top of the table Broadstairs Bulldogs. Match report
08 Jun 05	The fixture against West London II on 25 June has been cancelled. Colchester RFC has its Summer Ball that day and too many players will be unavailable.
05 Jun 05	Ipswich Rhinos will play their home RLC Premier South Fixture against Greenwich Admirals at Colchester's Mill Road ground on Saturday 11 June. This will be the first time East Anglia top Rugby League side will have played at Colchester. Kick 0ff is at 3pm.
04 Jun 05	Colchester Romans broke their duck and recorded their first win, a 42-18 victory at Kent Ravens. Match report
28 May 05	A very young Romans side were beaten 54-16 by a fitter, stronger and more experienced team from the Metropolitan Police. Match report
21 May 05	The Romans first ever game ended with an injury time defeat to Ipswich Rhinos. Hat tricks by Mark Braidwood and 16 year old Kyle Hutchins, plus tries from Shane Steward and Jason Hatcher gave Colchester a 2 point lead with three minutes to go, but the more experienced Rhinos got a last gasp try to snatch a 38-36 win. Match report
14 May 05	Colchester Romans are looking forward to their opening game of the season on Saturday when they take on Ipswich Rhinos II at Mill Road in the London Amateur Rugby League. Over 30 players turned up for training on Thursday where they had the benefit of Scotland A coach Bob Lovell's experience. Lovell is based at the Garrison and has pledged to help the Romans out when he can. "It is great to have so many players training," said Club chairman Lee Tanner, "our only problem is getting games for all of them." The club will field two sides if opposition can be found. Saturday's game will be the first competitive Rugby League game in Colchester, although the Garrison has seen some inter-regimental matches in the past. Supporters of Colchester's Rugby Union side will see a lot of familiar faces in the Romans side, and should get along to Mill Road on Saturday for a 2:30 kick-off.	Lee Pearson models the Romans new strip
06 May 05	Colchester Romans had their first training session of the season. 24 generally young players turned up, but more experienced players have shown an interest and should be attending future sessions.
14 Apr 05	Colchester Romans will be competing in the London Amateur Rugby League which has launched a new web site: London Amateur Rugby League
12 Mar 05	Colchester's new Rugby league side has signed up three new sponsors for the 2005 season. The funding means that the club can get new kit for the players and pay for minibuses to away games. The companies who have agreed to support the Romans are: Office & General Cleaning Environmental Control Services Ltd JBM Services