West London rivals Richmond and Rosslyn Park will do battle this weekend in a National League 1 top of the table clash.

Richmond host second placed Park at The Athletic Ground on Saturday looking to make it ten wins from eleven and extend their seven-point gap at the top.

Scrum-half Jamie Gibbs knows his Richmond side will need to maintain the level shown in their last outing, a 50-0 thumping of Canterbury to claim bragging rights over a Park side looking to bounce back from a dramatic last minute 27-27 draw with Chinnor.

“There’s no doubt this will be the biggest fixture of the season so far”, Gibbs said ahead of his 127th appearance for Richmond.

“Playing Rosslyn Park at home is always a huge occasion but to have the opportunity to move even further ahead in the league, with a big victory over them, is a massive incentive for us.

“Park are in great form, they will be frustrated by last week’s result, but as always will bring a huge amount of physically to the contest. They’re an abrasive side, they’ve got an extremely strong back-row and their backs are a big threat.

“We will need to be calm and confident in our own half. Stick to our processes in defence and when we do get the opportunity to attack, we need to be accurate and score points.”

The 33-year-old, who has been at Richmond for the last eight seasons, knows too well the extent and significance of the Park rivalry.

“It’s always been a very special fixture. Both clubs have an enormous history and it’s a massive rivalry, played in front of big crowds”, Gibbs said.

“The reality is Rosslyn Park are just up the road. They’re three miles away and both clubs are competing for players, members and fans within the same area.

“There’s not much love lost, but we love playing against each other and no doubt Saturday’s match will live up to the hype and expectations.”

Tickets are still available for Richmond’s blockbuster fixture against Rosslyn Park this Saturday at the Athletic Ground (KO 3pm). Purchase online via Eventbrite or buy at the gate.