EASTERN Rhinos can now boast the honour of scoring the first full competitive try at the new Northern Gateway Sports Park rugby pitches, in Colchester.

The Colchester-based side claimed an opening-game 36-14 win over South London Silverbacks, in their Southern Conference League (East) return.

In the only competitive rugby currently being played, Rhinos' men got off to a flying start, christening the new Sports Park with a hard-earned, but ultimately comprehensive, win.

With rugby history having been made, the Rhinos progressed serenely to a 20-4 half-time lead.

They then quelled a short-lived Silverbacks fight-back at the start of the second half, before easing away in the final quarter.

Following a short but successful pre-season training period where Rhinos scored the first tries, of any code of rugby, on the new Northern Gateway Rugby pitches, they have now returned to competitive action.

The Rhinos' youngsters have also returned to action in the SE Junior leagues at under-14 and under-18 level.

The under-14s, in the worst of the day’s conditions, scored the first London Junior League try at the Northern Gateway venue with Harry Foxwell’s try setting up a great performance and 36-4 win against Hemel Stags.

This was followed by the under-18s, with mostly under-17s playing in the joint year age group, making a slow start but showing that they can play good rugby.

They produced a vastly-improved second-half performance, displaying a strong disciplined defence adding to the pressure of completing a high percentage of sets.

This led to Rhinos running in four tries and just failing to complete a brilliant comeback, falling short by one try at the end.

Despite the long break, Rhinos continue to attract players with a record numbers of players registered at the club for 2021, helped by the attraction of moving into state-of-the-facilities.

The club is always on the lookout for players with any level of experience and players are needed in all teams, particularly under-11 and below.

There is no better time than now to give Rugby League a try and then watch the Rugby League World Cup being held, later this year in the UK.

Competing in the SCL with clubs in the Eastern Counties and London allows Eastern Rhinos to offer credible advertising exposure. So ff you would like to join the club as a player or a sponsor partner and support community Rugby League in the SE UK as well as help spread the word about Rugby League as a summer sport then please get in touch at easternrhinos@gmail.com