Boss Nigel Richardson is desperate for West Norfolk to stay true to their principles despite the pressure of the promotion race hotting up.

Only points difference is keeping the North Wootton club outside of the top two as they continue to excel during their first season back in London Three North-East. A run of six successive victories has raised hopes that West could leapfrog Cantabrigian to claim that all important second place.

But Richardson is adamant that style remains more important to him than substance as his troops prepare to welcome Upminster tomorrow.

West's manager said: 'There is a lot of confidence amongst the team, it's as high as ever. But it's still frustrating for me and Chris (Bird, coach) at times.

'I know we're winning matches but the lads are not playing in the style we like. I know you have to mix things up but we're doing it when we don't have to. We're making hard work of some games, which sounds strange to say when we're winning matches 63-10 (Clacton) and 29-0 (at Billericay on Saturday), and getting involved in things in the wrong areas. Eventually we'll pay the price for it.

'Chris and I have stated all along we want to play in a certain way. We're playing too much ball down the middle and getting white-line fever. At training, in the mini bus and before the game we always talk about playing a nice style of attacking rugby and moving the ball about quickly. It's what we've always done. But within 10 minutes of kick-off we're wondering what's happening.

'I can't moan too much as we're winning, and that's important, but there's definitely an ethos at this club. We want to keep developing good rugby players who play in the right way, wherever they may end up playing.'

West moved level with Cantabs – whose game at Old Brentwoods was postponed – last weekend by beating Billericay 29-0. Lewys Weaver, who sent over two conversions, ran in four tries with Richardson's son Jake adding another. That victory took the Gatehouse Lane outfit level on points with the last side to beat them, although they have played a game more. However, West will be hoping Cantabs drop vital points tomorrow when they host unbeaten runaway leaders Sudbury.

In lower-tier Greene King Eastern Counties Division One, mid-table Wisbech host Crusaders while rock bottom and relegation-threatened Swaffham visit champions-in-waiting Southwold.