Rosslyn Park's new head coach Chris Kibble faces a tough task pulling his side away from the foot of the table when in-form Southend visit on Saturday.

Kibble, who led Blackheath to promotion from National Three South and was recently made England U18 coach, took over last week following the resignation of veteran Dave Rollitt.

One-time England international Rollitt quit after a meeting with chairman John Adair to discuss Park's disappointing results that have left them second-last in the league.

The new man will get no favours from Southend, who knocked Lydney off the top of the table by thrashing them 81-16 last Saturday.

His reign began badly with a 30-27 defeat at Canterbury last weekend, although two 50-50 decisions and a penalty from the last kick of the match cost Park the draw they deserved.

Park had led 27-3 at half-time, fighting back well after the hosts kicked an early penalty.

Cliff Street, Niall Lear, Huw Williams and Rhys Lapidus scored Park's tries with Richard Mahony kicking the other points.

But Canterbury stormed back with four tries to level the scores 17 minutes from time.

As the match entered injury time Canterbury seemed to deliberately collapse a maul near their own line, but the referee refused to award Park a penalty.

Play went to the other end and, as the ball emerged on the Canterbury side from a ruck, Street was penalised for grabbing it.

As soon as the penalty crossed the bar, the final whistle sounded.

The match against Southend on Saturday (3pm) will be a tribute to long-term Park supporter Kenny Burgess, who died earlier this year.

Burgess's ashes will be scattered at the ground during the afternoon.