BASINGSTOKE RFC head coach James Croker is confident that his side can beat fellow London One South high-fliers Sidcup at Down Grange on Saturday.

Both sides go into the game (kick-off 3pm) having won seven of their first eight games, with unbeaten leaders Chichester the only team to have beaten them.

Sidcup currently lie second in the table, one point and one position above ’Stoke – but Croker says his side are more than capable of victory in what could turn out to be a vital game.

“Sidcup are where they are in the league because they are a good side and used to winning but we will not be daunted,” he said. “We are going into the game confident because we know we should have beaten the best team in the league, so nothing will phase us.

“Everyone seems to be priding themselves on their pack, which suits us, but we just have to concentrate on our own game. If we make sure we win our own ball, steal a bit of theirs and use it well, we will get the right result.

“It is a big game. I would never say that a game is must win when we are still in the first half of the season but it’s certainly important because a win would take us clear of Sidcup in second.”

Croker’s squad will be further strengthened by the return of Ceri Cummings, who has been helping the British Army to victory at the International Defence World Cup, being named player of the tournament in the process.

The Welshman’s preferred position is full-back but he can also play at fly-half and his return gives Croker more options – but Cummings is unlikely to feature against Sidcup due to the effects of jet lag.

“Ceri is a good guy to have around,” Croker said. “He is a full-back first and foremost but can play in other positions and means that competition for places is even stronger.

“Ashley Paterson has been doing well at 15 but he can also play elsewhere so there are things for us to look at in training.”

While Cummings is unlikely to feature, Croker is expecting to welcome back captain Neil Young, flanker Matt Horne and second row Steve Drawbridge, who all missed last week’s 39-20 win at Sutton and Epsom.

Young was rested, while Horne sat the game out due to a suspension issued by the club after he was sent off against Chichester. Drawbridge failed a fitness test on his back but should recover in time to play this week.

Having lost to Chichester a week earlier, Croker was impressed by the way his side responded at Sutton.

“It was the result we expected but it’s always nice to react and get back to winning ways,” he said. “We played a lot more expansively earlier in the game and the guys seemed to get their tails up and enjoy it.”