COLCHESTER and East Essex bowler Ben Stephens believes their recent cup defeat at Chelmsford will act as a wake-up call ahead of their Shepherd Neame Essex League curtain-raiser tomorrow.

The Castle Park side make a quick return to Chelmsford this weekend for their premier division opener, hoping to get the brand new league season off to a winning start.

Colchester are still reeling from their seven-wicket defeat at Chelmsford in the Essex League Dukes League Cup second round.

Only two of their players - Julian Russell (62) and Sam Foster (12) - managed to reach double figures, in a poor batting display.

But Stephens believes Colchester can make the defeat work in their favour when they begin their league campaign.

He said: "Our defeat at Chelmsford last weekend was a bit of a wake-up call for us.

"We'd won the games that we'd played before the Chelmsford game quite comfortably, so this was a different experience for us.

"Chelmsford played quite well on their wicket and I think we were a little under-prepared for it, last weekend.

"They bowled quite well on their wicket, which is completely different to ours at Castle Park.

"They clearly know how to play their game, on that sort of pitch.

"But now we know exactly what to expect from them on their ground and we'll be ready.

"We know that we need to adapt to that tomorrow - we had a team meeting after what happened last weekend and I think if anything, it's helped to refocus everyone for our first league game."

Stephens believes Colchester should set their sights high this season and target top spot.

"I think we have to aim for the title and I feel personally up for it," said the former first XI captain.

"We will always look to try and win trophies and this season will be no different.

"This year, we want to push for the league more than anything and that's my own personal aim, too.

"The boys realise that you can't just go out there and expect to win - you have to put the hard work in and I think we've done that."

Tom Ullyott, Joe Barnett and Joe Austin are all expected to return for Colchester against Chelmsford.

But opener Julian Russell is unavailable.

Colchester are also in action on Sunday when they host Waltham in the ECB National Club Championship at Castle Park, 1pm start.