POTU Leavasa is keen to enjoy a debut to remember with South Woodham Ferrers this weekend.

The powerful number eight has opted to join the London Two North East high-fliers from Southend Saxons.

And he now has his sights set on making sure Woodham see off Woodford to move level on points with table-topping Diss.

“I’ve come to Woodham to enjoy my rugby for the rest of the season,” said Leavasa, who scored five tries for Southend this term.

“I want to be playing with a smile on my face which I’ve not done much of this year.

“Having met the boys and trained I know they are a great bunch of lads and I hope I can be part of a side who goes on to win the league for the club.

“I go home in May and I reckon the time will fly by.

“But I can’t wait to get on the pitch on Saturday and impress the fans on the sidelines.

“I want to start with a win and enjoy the rest of my time before I go home with my girlfriend.”

Saturday’s clash will also be second placed Woodham’s game in hand on league leaders Diss, who they are currently five points behind in the table.

However, Woodham head into the key contest without skipper Lewis Gilbert who has a knee injury and Sammy Sharp who is also unavailable with an eye problem.

And Woodham’s first team manager Jack Kershaw is expecting a far tougher test than last Saturday’s 51-7 win against rock-bottom Campion.

“Saturday against Campion was at times a no contest,” said Kershaw.

“We scored with 12 men on the pitch which I think says a lot.

“The boys did the job required and got the win but Saturday will be a completely different game.”

Woodford are currently seventh in the table but were able to beat Woodham 25-18 a fortnight ago.

And Woodham have been working hard in a bid to avoid a repeat performance.

“Woodford made the break down messy at their place, doing everything they could to disrupt the ball,” said Kershaw.

“We’ve been working in training on protecting the ball, clearing the contact area and protecting the nine and hopefully that will help us at the weekend because every Saturday is now key to our season.

“We have to push and keep the pressure on Diss before they come here in a couple of weeks.

“We want Saltcoats to be a fortress, especially as we have another five games on the trot at home coming up as well.

“We expect the sidelines to be full of Woodham supporters in full voice and I’m sure the boys will put on a good performance for them.”