North Walsham Vikings face the toughest test of their campaign so far when they tackle second-placed Colchester at Scottow tomorrow.

Nick Greenhall's side should at least be able to call upon Stuart Loose, who could make his 450th appearance for the club, while Aki Downing is pushing for a start after his display in the win over Romford & Gidea Park last weekend.

Prop Tom Bowes and lock Toby Salmon are available for selection although Pena Sokia is a major doubt having suffered a broken nose during his man-of-the-match display last weekend.

Colchester were among the front-runners last season before tailing off in the final few weeks, eventually finishing third, and have made a good start this time around.

Their opening day defeat, by a single point to promotion favourites Eton Manor, has been followed by four good wins, including a 67-7 beating of Ipswich, who had held the Vikings to a draw the previous week.

Their record over the Vikings is impressive with the Essex side registering three wins from four meetings – Walsham's sole success came at Scottow in January.

If they are to take anything from this game they will have to display a ruthless streak that has been absent for long phases thus far.

Greenhall was unhappy with some of the play in the first half last week, noting that seven times play was taken into the Romford 22, and each time possession was lost.

He will also be looking at the video footage from the match to establish why there was a big hole in the defence, allowing Romford to score what was a simple try.

However, he was pleased with the turnaround in the second half in which Romford were allowed few chances to improve on their half-time lead.