Thursday 4th July sees the Islanders begin training for their second season back in the hotly contested Level 8 Counties 2 Eastern Counties. The league – which begins on the road on Saturday 7th September – has some new faces in it, along with some old ones as well, making it a tough 12 team competition.

Down

The league welcomes the three relegated sides from Counties 1 Eastern Counties, in Ipswich YM, West Norfolk, and Wisbech. Wisbech had only spent one season in the higher league after being promoted the previous season, however YM can count themselves unlucky having been sent down having the same points as North Walsham IIs, with a far superior points difference. Unfortunately, its seems that the head-to-head was the deciding factor, with YM taking the win at home 21-6, but losing 48-26 away. West Norfolk also just missed the drop by 3 points, showing how competitive the Eastern Counties leagues can be.

Up

Three sides were promoted into the league from Eastern Counties Division 1 West, North and South, respectively. From the West, March Bears make an entrance and host the Islanders on the first game of the season. March were imperious last year, winning all but one game, which was a draw. However, as Mersea know, it is a massive step up into this league, and it will be a compelling match up to start the season.

From the north, Wymondham IIs went up by the skin of their teeth, finishing on the same points as 2nd place Lakenham Union, but with a slightly better points difference. And finally, from our local south division, Mistley romped to the title, winning all but their first actual game of the season; away at Stowmarket IIs.

Preseason

With preseason kicking off on Thursday, head coach Andrew Windridge has been hard at work behind the scenes planning and plotting the first few weeks of preseason to get the team gelling and bust the lungs in preparation for what could be the most challenging of seasons in recent years.

Andrew is also completing the second year of his level 3 RFU coaching qualifications, meaning that the session quality will be as high as ever, and all the work which is done will be to improve players individually, and the team, collectively.

In addition, our newest Colts setup will be joining in with senior men’s training on Tuesday nights from August 6th, to assist head coach Dave Murrell prepare them for their season and to expose the young players to the senior environment. With 17 years olds able to play men’s rugby, watch this space for some senior debuts during the year.

An exciting new season is almost upon us, and with the major support we get from the local community and our sponsors, it is set to be one of the best yet.