SOUTHEND Saxons’ scrum-half Ricki Gould is expecting a tricky test against Dorking in National Three London & SE tomorrow.

Dorking - who are level on points with sixth placed Southend - beat high-flying Hertford last time out.

And Gould believes that will make the Surrey side hard to beat this weekend.

“We’re expecting a physical encounter against Dorking and they’re definitely going to be on a real high after beating Hertford so we’re definitely in for a difficult game against them,” said the 19-year-old.

“It’s a test we’re looking forward to.

“But I think the conditions could prove to be quite challenging so we will need to keep the ball and make sure we’re playing in the right areas.”

Southend were without a fixture last weekend having been beaten 23-18 at Shelford in their previous encounter.

And Gould believes the break will have given the Saxons a real boost ahead of tomorrow’s clash at Warners Bridge.

“Having a Saturday off once in a while during the season gives us all a chance to rest up and get in the gym so it’s not necessarily a bad thing although of course you do want to play as much as you can,” said Gould.

“The break has also given us time to review where we went wrong against Shelford because it was a game we should have won.

“We got ourselves into a good position and to lose it like we did was frustrating because we know what we’re capable of.”

Southend’s defeat at Shelford ended a run of three successive victories and saw interim director of rugby Danny Cleare suffer his first defeat in charge.

But Gould - who was also coached by Cleare while at Seevic College - is enjoying working with the Saxons winger once again.

“Working with Danny as head of rugby hasn’t changed much for me really,” said Gould.

“He has always been a coach and a mate to me so not much has changed.

“But always pleasing taking to the pitch with my ex coach from Seevic.”

And Gould is also enjoying playing regular first team rugby.

“Im taking it week by week and game by game and I’m certainly not getting carried away about anything,” said Gould.

“I’m enjoying the physicality and competitiveness of the first team.

“But I will have to make sure I play well to stay in the team because there are a lot of good players here who are waiting for a chance.”

Southend hope to have winger Jaid Wiltshire available this weekend along with goal-kicking centre Rob Baynes.