KIERAN Mann says it’s a straight fight between High Wycombe RFC and Marlow RFC for the South West 1 East play-off spot this year.

The Wycombe centre helped his side to an eight-try demolition of Oakmeadians on Saturday and with Marlow also winning convincingly, 25-12 at Trowbridge, the two rivals have pulled clear of Swanage and Wallingford, both of whom have played three games more.

Mann agrees with Marlow that Cheltenham are champions-elect, but insists Wycombe are good enough to be the best of the rest.

He said: “This is probably the best side I’ve been involved in at Wycombe. We’ve always had strong forwards, but we have a lot more depth in the backs now.”

Marlow whitewashed Wycombe at Kingsmead back in September before Wycombe exacted revenge on a much-changed Marlow side in the Bucks Cup.

Mann, who joined Marlow from Wycombe before returning across the M40 this season, says both games will count for nothing when the Bucks rivals clash again at the end of the month.

He said: “I don’t know about Marlow, but a lot has changed for us since then and we’re playing completely different rugby now.

“Teams always think we’re just a pack, but we’ve got some decent backs and in the last month we’ve had a steady backline and have played decent rugby.”

That was underlined by the four tries for winger Akindiji Akinwale against Oakmeadians, but Wycombe will be tested again tomorrow by the visit of Wallingford.

Marlow have what appears to be a more straightforward task at home to Walcot.

Director of rugby Chris Sheasby said: “I was pleased with our patience and composure last weekend and five tries was a good return.”