COLCHESTER Rugby Club’s disappointing start to the season continued as they slid to a fourth straight defeat.

They lost 31-22 at Sutton and Epsom, in National League Three.

The hosts scored two converted tries to build a 14-0 lead, before Anthony O’Riordan’s men hit back with a try scored by Joe McMillan.

David Higgins converted it to trim the deficit to 14-7.

Sutton then added another try and conversion to establish a commanding lead at the break.

However, James Crozier inspired a fightback by scoring two tries – the second of which was converted by Higgins – and Higgins kicked a penalty to give Colchester a 22-21 lead.

Sadly, though, that was the end of their scoring and Sutton added a converted try and penalty to run out 31-22 winners.

Saturday’s defeat followed previous setbacks against Guernsey, Shelford and Dorking.

Next up, Riordan’s men, who are second from bottom in the table, entertain Hertford on Saturday.