WESTCLIFF’S director of rugby Rick Compton believes there are no pre-match favourites ahead of this weekend’s local derby with Southend.

A crowd of more than 1,000 is expected to watch the eagerly anticipated London & SE Premier clash at the Gables.

And Compton feels the game could go either way.

“Southend are in a little bit of a transitional period at the moment but they still have a lot of quality over there, along with some experience, so we’re expecting a very tough game,” said Compton.

“Because of the nature of the rivalry I don’t think there are any favourites going into the game and it’s all there to fight for on the day.

“But I’m sure everyone is looking forward to it.”

Westcliff started the season with a hard-fought 22-15 win at Dorking last weekend.

And Compton feels the victory has given his side a real lift ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

“We’ve had good numbers at training and the lads have been buoyed by the results on Saturday and it was obviously very pleasing to get two wins, with the seconds winning as well,” said Compton.

“We were really pleased with it and we’ll take that into Saturday now. Of course it’s only another game and you get the same number of points as you do from any other game but it’s a little bit more than that for both sides and it’s going to be a great day for the club.

“We have more than 250 people sitting down for lunch before the game, there’s a marquee going up too and it’s fantastic to see.”

Westcliff were narrowly beaten 17-15 by Southend at Warners Bridge last September before getting their own back in December, winning 10-7 at the Gables.

And Westcliff’s Jack Jones is expecting another even contest this weekend.

“I am expecting a close game,” said Jones. “As proven last season, these games bring a different level of tension and desire, which leads to small margins making a big difference.

“But this is an occasion the entire club has interest in and wants to be a part of, not just the players. There is also added expectation on us this season as we finished above Southend last time round, albeit after we both won our respective home fixtures.

“For one or two it will be the first time they play a game of this magnitude but, for most, we know what to expect from the occasion and it’s about embracing, relishing and enjoying it.”