Rosslyn Park’s 38-31 derby win – in front of a large Roehampton crowd – sees them second in National League One, three points below Doncaster Knights.

It does not get any easier for Alex Codling’s men, as this Saturday they travel to Yorkshire to play the league leaders, where a win would see Park top the table.

Doncaster, who were relegated from the Championship last season, are the only full-time professional side in the league, and are unbeaten at home, so Park have a mountain to climb.

However, Codling believes the lack of pressure on his side is a benefit.

He said: “I was delighted with the bonus point win against a very dangerous Esher side.  

"It was a game of two halves, with us dominating the first and we were frustrated not to have been further ahead at half time. Fair play to Esher, they controlled the first 35 minutes of the second half but we showed real character and composure to go on and get the win.

" We are playing with a real intent with ball in hand and the boys are looking forward to our trip to league leaders Doncaster this weekend. We go as underdogs with no pressure on us."

Codling will be hoping for good news from the physio room in respect of key second row man Richard Boyle who had to go off with an injury against Esher, and that back row Sam Shires will be fit.

However, most of his selection problems are of the positive side as he has to decide who to leave out.