Richmond wing Hamish Graham says his side are ready to extend their lead at the top of National League 1 when they take on the Cinderford on Saturday afternoon (KO 3pm).

The clash between the table topping Richmond and sixth placed Cinderford will headline an exciting double header at the Athletic Ground, with Richmond Women aiming to record their second win of the season against DMP Sharks from 5pm.

Graham, who joined Richmond in the summer following two seasons playing rugby in Portugal and Spain, has been in exciting form for his new club, featuring in all six victories and scoring three tries.

The former Blackheath player, who hails from Belfast, says he is relishing being back in London and insists Richmond are confident of continuing their unbeaten start to the season against Cinderford on Saturday.

“I have loved every minute of my time so far at Richmond. It’s been a very positive move for me and it’s brilliant being back in London and having the opportunity to represent this great club on a regular basis”, said Graham.

“We’ve had an outstanding start to the season, winning all six games has given us an enormous amount of confidence and determination to continue improving. We feel we haven’t given a full 80 minute performance yet and last week against Bishop’s Stortford (Richmond won 18-17) we were a little off and to our credit did well to hang on to the win.

“Cinderford present another very physical challeng. Having reviewed their match footage this week, we know they rely on a big pack, who will hit hard and look to dominate the set piece. If we can withstand that threat, it will allow us in the back-line to move the ball quickly, wear them out and hopefully score some great tries.”

Meanwhile, Richmond Women will look to bounce back strongly following a disappointing defeat to Gloucester-Hartpury last Saturday, when they take on DMP Sharks at 5pm.

The 31-12 loss left Richmond with just one win from their first four games in the Tyrrells Premier 15s, meaning victory over DMP on Saturday is crucial for their season ambitions.

“I am really confident we can bounce back on Saturday and find some positive form”, said experienced flanker Libby Povey.

“Last season we finished with a win and a loss against DMP Sharks in our two encounters and I have no doubt they will arrive on Saturday gunning for another victory against us.

“They are a strong side with exciting talent across their squad, and even though we’re both sitting towards the end of the table, it’s going to be a highly competitive fixture and one in which we need to be at our very best.

“Last Saturday was hugely disappointing, but hopefully it will prove to be a turning point in our season. We know we have to get the basics right, we have to be confident in our game plan and be positive in every aspect of our performance.”

Povey who has been at Richmond since 2008, says she can’t wait to take part in another double header at the Athletic Ground.

“Double Headers are always the fixtures you look forward to the most”, she said.

“There’s always a big Richmond crowd in attendance and it’s always very inspiring to see the fans stick around after the men’s game to cheer us on.It means so much more to every player and hopefully we can provide them with an important win over DMP on Saturday.”

Tickets are still available for Richmond’s double header this Saturday 19th October at the Athletic Ground (Richmond Men vs Cinderford, KO 3pm, Richmond Women vs DMP Sharks, KO 5pm). Purchase via eventbrite.co.uk or at the gate.