Last week saw the local elite teams who play their rugby in London League 1 make a flying start to the season. The Colchester, Diss and Bury St Edmunds Clubs were all victorious and all gained a bonus point. At this early stage in the season Colchester now sit at the top of the table followed immediately by Diss with Bury following on in fourth position. The future is looking good at this level. 

The big game of the weekend is at the Haberden where Bury, in their first home match, are hosts to arch rivals Colchester. Bury, under the guidance of new coach Gavin Hogg will work hard to make home advantage count. Both sides understand the importance of this match and will strive to maintain confidence. Diss play their first home fixture against North Walsham.

In London 2 Beccles have a long journey to Hampstead to fulfil their league commitments whilst Ipswich start their campaign at Humber Doucy Lane against Saffron Walden. Ipswich finished fifth in the league last season. Under the direction of new coach Johnny Breedt Ipswich will be hoping to improve upon this position.

Stowmarket newly promoted into London 3 are planning to make further progress. They begin their season away at Wymondham. Newmarket are on the road to Holt in North Norfolk and Sudbury entertain Wanstead. After a promising start last season Sudbury were relegated. However they are not despondent. Chairman Mike Beckett says there is nothing on the teams mind other than bouncing straight back.

The rising star in the Eastern Counties Leagues is Ipswich YM who were promoted into Greene King IPA Eastern Counties League 1 at the end of last season after putting in a magnificent performance with only two league defeats. However, new President Dick Daniels knows that the coming season will not be so easy. This Saturday they travel to Woodbridge’s Hatchley Barn Ground in the hope of making their mark. Southwold travel up the coast to face Broadland - Gt Yarmouth and Harwich and Dovercourt are to entertain Mersea Island who were relegated from the London Leagues last season.

Teams from Eastern Counties 2 have to wait patiently for another two weeks before they can taste competitive rugby.

All games kick at 3pm.

7^th September 2011.