Rosslyn Park travel North this weekend to take on pre-season favourites Darlington Mowden Park.

The red and white’s hugely impressive 37-24 victory over city rivals Old Elthamians last Saturday sent them fourth in National League One and although head of rugby Donnie Masters is happy where the club are he is fully aware of the threat DMP pose.

“Blackheath have the best defence in the league, but to nil DMP is impressive,” said Masters.

“DMP are a very strong outfit, incredibly strong at home. We expect them to be coming out like wounded animals so there is more danger in that.”

Masters was full of praise of his side’s performance pointing out the impact debutants Dan Laventure and Connor Hayhow had and how he could not have asked for more in regards to team spirit and culture.

“As a head of rugby it is an absolute joy to see two lads so deserving of their opportunity, I’m delighted for them.

“Never once did they moan about selection. The coaches told them to work hard, keep their head down, to trust us and they will get their chance. They got their chance and they took it with both hands. They were unbelievable.”

The last two seasons National League One has been a procession with Hartpury and Coventry running away with the title. This year however the league seems a lot tighter and the weekend’s result must surely have given Park reason to believe, although they’ll hold their cards close to their chest.

“We hope the boys feel they are a match for anyone in the league. On the day any team can beat anyone in this league. That’s why it’s magical. There are four or five teams in with a shout this year.

“We are buoyed by the victory, and hopefully the boys will take that belief with them in to this weekend.”

Park will be without influerntial centre Jordan Turner Hall as he left the field early against Old E's with a suspected ruptured achilles which could rule him out for the majority of the season.