New Gravesend coach Paul Hathaway says his players now know they are capable of playing National League rugby.

Gravesend made an excellent start to their first National 3 London and South East campaign with a 17-13 victory at North Walsham and Hathaway said: "Last Saturday’s win was pleasing, both from the players’ point of view and also my own in what was my first match in charge.

"It will help the players to believe that they have the ability to compete at this level but they still have a lot to learn in terms of the greater pace and intensity of the rugby."

Gravesend play their first home league game on Saturday against Hertford, who were 43-16 winners over Tring last weekend and Hathaway added: "We are aware that Hertford are likely to be one of the stronger teams in the division but our intention this season is to make the Rectory Field a challenging place for any team to come to."

Hathaway has no injury problems for this weekend but forward Matt Clement is unavailable.