LUCTONIANS have the opportunity to cement their place as the number one rugby union team in Herefordshire when they go head to head their rivals on Saturday.

The Mortimer Park club have made an impressive start to life in Midlands One this season but face a test of character when Hereford arrival for a battle royal.

Luctonians claimed promotion to the top Midland division last season because of a play-off win but have so far eclipsed the efforts of Midlands Two (West) champions Malvern and their county challengers in the league campaign.

However, they now have a golden opportunity to finally prove they have overtaken Hereford after years below them in the league structure. The Wyeside club have always boasted it was they who were the top club in the county but on Saturday, it is Luctonians who go into the game as the form side.

Sitting pretty, fourth in the league, just two points off leaders Broadstreet, Luctonians have already beaten promotion favourites Dunstablians and were actually the early pace setters themselves in September.

And for manager Ken Bemand, the game is an ideal chance to promote rugby within the county.

"We are just hoping for a good spectacle and rugby played in the best possible spirit," he said.

"I don't know if Hereford have ever been the number one club in Herefordshire. They may well have been higher in the league structure but whether they were the best club is debatable.

"Games between the two clubs always create a lot of interest and I hope Saturday is no different."

For Bemand, Lucs are still learning about life in Midlands One but he is confident the future is bright.

"We came into the Midlands Two West with a young team and we've done the same in Midlands One. That has to be good for the future and we've proved we are not scared to give youth a try.

"We are confident at the moment after the win at Dunstablians but we know it will be a very difficult game against Hereford. We will try to play as much rugby as we can but it is a local derby."

Hereford are desperate for a boost after crashing out of the Intermediate Cup at the weekend, only days after coach Andy Douthwaite's resignation.

The coach accused Hereford's players of a lack of commitment before he left.

"Some players were not prepared to make the commitment necessary at the Midlands One level," he said.

"I was responsible for the preparation of the team in terms of strategy and tactics at the Thursday training sessions and frequently there was barely half the team present."

Not only have Hereford the challenge of a up and coming Luctonians side with a point to prove, the Wyesiders now have to answer their former coach with victory at Mortimer Park.