Esher head coach  Ollie Smith is going into this weekend’s National League One derby clash with Rosslyn Park hoping to emerge with not just the bragging rights.

After last weekend’s trip to Coventry was postponed, Esher have been without a game for two weeks – and while it has given players more time to recharge, it has delayed Smith’s return to the touchline following his RFU ban for verbally abusing an official.

Smith said: “Every coach lives for match days and not being on the touchline has not been good for me. I am so looking forward to getting back this weekend.

“It would be good to get one over Park as they beat us at their place before Christmas, and we all like the bragging rights. But, more importantly, we want to finish the season strongly. Winning games breeds that winning mentality, which is vital for us.”

Park’s coach, Jan Bonney, will leave the club at the end of the season, with Alex Codling ready to step in.

Smith said: “I cannot see that changing the game, Park are a quality side and Jan is a quality coach.”