Sutton & Epsom return to action this weekend as leaders of London Division One South, and they will have their mettle tested immediately – but head coach Lee Cholewa is delighted.

SE beat Tottonians 41-26 two weekends ago to hit the top of the table ahead of last weekend’s break.

The action starts again on Saturday with a trip to Chobham, who not only beat SE twice last season, but who also sit second in the table.

However, despite the tough restart, Cholewa reckons it is the perfect way to get back to back to business.

He said: “Chobham is probably the best game we could have first off.

“It re-focusses the lads’ minds, and hopefully means that training this week will be productive.

“We know a lot about them. The Chobham team we’ve played for the past three seasons is pretty much the same team as now.

“They have the same key players in the same positions. You know how they play, so it’s a matter of trying to stop them playing, and if you execute what you are good at, you should create chances.”

He added: “They have a strong set piece in both the line out and the scrum.

“They can also play wide, and they have a good kicking game.

“They are a complete side, some teams have a strong back line or scrum, one or the other.

“But with Chobham, you cannot say they have a weakness, because they have 15 to 18 very good players on the pitch, who can score from anywhere.”

While extolling the virtues of Saturday’s hosts, Cholewa is quick to point out his own side’s strong points, as well as play down the momentum-sapping break.

“We’re similar to Chobham in that we can play numerous ways and I’d like to think we can adapt depending on the opposition and conditions.

“But at the end, it is just another league game – it won’t dictate the future and how the whole season goes.”

He added: “We had good momentum before the break, but while you want to keep that momentum it also gives the lads a breather.

“They have played six games on the trot and have picked up niggles and knocks.

“But they can also get some some can spend time with the family.”

Cholewa is without Ian Knott and Andy King (hamstrings), while Paul Hodgson has work commitments with London Irish.