Catherine Spencer’s side have won three of their four games so far this season and in their last outing at the beginning of April they beat a strong Medway side, 15-7, despite being without 10 regular players, including the former England captain.

Sunday’s opponents New Ash Green finished eighth in Women’s NC South East South 1 this season behind Medway and Barnes, two sides OEs have already beaten, and will provide another stern challenge for Spencer’s squad as they continue to lay the foundations for their first foray into league rugby next season.

“Following our match this weekend, we will have completed five fixtures against some strong opposition,” Spencer said. “The squad have come together fantastically well and I’m delighted with the progress we have made. It really does feel that we have been together longer than the four and a half months that we have been training.

“We now have 30 registered players which is pretty remarkable in such a short space of time. Added to that we have a really lovely mix of more experienced players and those who are brand new to the game.

“Our two coaches, Gregory and Max, have delivered some great training sessions pushing players and developing skills whilst also allowing new and less experienced players to become integrated in the squad.”

Spencer, who came of retirement to help get the new squad up and running, admits the rapid influx of new players will allow her to take a back seat on the playing front. “From a personal perspective I have really enjoyed running out in OEs colours,” she said, “but with the growth in numbers of our squad and the development of a strong team, my input will be from the sidelines rather than from the middle of a ruck or maul on the pitch! After thirty-odd years of playing rugby my body is crying out for a rest!

“The club have been really supportive of this new addition to the club and we are very much looking forward to the start of the 2017/18 season where we hope to be playing in the leagues following our first season of friendly fixtures.”

Two members of the OEs squad are on representative duty this weekend. Young prop Vicky Black will be competing in her first senior county match for Kent against Sussex, whilst fly-half Csilla Feher is on international duty with Hungary. Everyone at Elthamians wishes them the very best of luck.