Colchester and East Essex are preparing for a big weekend of league and cup action.

Ben Stephens’ side will be aiming to make it back-to-back victories in Shepherd Neame League division one by winning at Wickford tomorrow.

And they will also be searching for cup success the following day when they host Swardeston in the second round of the National Knockout Cup, at Castle Park.

The Norfolk-based side have won the East Anglian Premier League title for the past two seasons and lifted the National Twenty20 competition, in 2010.

Stephens said: “It was great to get off to a win in our first game against Southend, last weekend.

“But we can’t allow ourselves to get too carried away and it’s only one game.

“Wickford have two or three ex-professional players in their squad and it’s a big game for us.

“And on Sunday, we play Swardeston who are a good side and have several Norfolk players in their squad.

“They’ve been very successful over the last few years and it’ll be a difficult game for us.

“But it will also be a good test for our young players and it’s one that we’re looking forward to.”

For more on this story along with a comprehensive preview of all of this weekend's local cricket action, see Friday's Daily Gazette.