With five games left North Walsham Vikings stand fifth in the table with their place for next season assured – but with a target of moving at least one place higher.

With their early season away form having been addressed, they will be hopeful of returning from Thurrock with the points to help them achieve that objective, although that is something that has rarely happened in the past.

The Essex side, who have in the past been difficult to overcome, particularly on their own patch, are fourth from bottom but have a 15-point cushion over Romford & Gidea Park so should survive the drop. Of last week's starting line-up only Chris Borrett is unavailable. His place could be taken by the hard-running Wayne Williams.

Callum Cashman has found employment in London but having had a full outing with the club's Raiders Stuart Loose is fit again and could find a place on the bench. Also due back is Henry Dewing and he is almost certainly going to take the scrum-half berth. Also back from a lengthy spell with a shoulder injury is wing Shane van Vuuren but he is likely to have to bench.

The Raiders, who had a successful trip to Wisbech last week, hosts Diss III and should have a large pool of players to select from, including Pena Sokia who played a full game last week, returnee Freddie Henley-Hunter and Angus Rodger.