ESSEX Spartans hit the play-off trail on Sunday with a trip to Oxford Saints. It's the first time the team have extended their season since returning to Basildon four seasons ago.

That's a fitting reward for a club which has steadily grown after an uncertain time following the collapse of their links with Redbridge in 2001.

But it's far from the limit of Gibson's ambitions for the season.

"When you get into the play-offs anything can happen," he said. "People are talking about Kent Exiles being favourites but we ran them very close in our league game at the start of the season.

"It's been a long time since a team from this area has got into the play-offs so we are all up and ready for it."

The two sides haven't met in regular competition this season, with Oxford playing in the South West section.

And the mind games have already started as both sides look to gain an advantage ahead of Sunday's one-off tester.

"We were scouted at our last game but we weren't fielding our full line-up," said Gibson.

"They've not really seen our strongest team but when we turn up in Oxford we should be close to full strength."