WESTCLIFF captain Harry Branch hopes to be catching National Three London & SE leaders Tonbridge Juddian at the right time tomorrow.

Both teams have been out of action since mid-December.

And Branch believes that could well work in Westcliff’s favour this weekend.

“Playing the team who are top of the league first game back is a massive incentive for us and I think it could be the best time to play them straight after Christmas,” said the scrum-half.

“It gives us the opportunity to hopefully topple the league leaders.”

Westcliff, who are are ninth in the table, have won five of their last seven games and saw off local rivals Southend Saxons in their final outing before Christmas.

But Branch believes Tonbridge will be tough to see off.

“Tonbridge will be a physical and well drilled side and I’m expecting a very tough contest with them being top of the league,” said Branch.

“One massive positive is that we are the only team other than Wimbledon to take points from Tonbridge so far this season and hopefully we’ll do that again at the weekend.”

And Branch is confident the break in the season can work in Westcliff’s favour.

“Having the break can sometimes cause you problems but we had fantastic numbers at training on Tuesday and everyone was still looking sharp so hopefully this won’t be the case,” said Branch.

“Personally I think the break has done everyone within the squad a world of good, especially as there were some sore bodies and small niggles after the huge win we had against Southend in our last game.”