Player-coach Graeme Beveridge believes the next two weeks will tell him much about the ambition and resolve of Western Counties North leaders Old Redcliffians.

His side are at home tomorrow against third-placed Thornbury before hitting the road the week after for a traditionally difficult challenge at Berry Hill.

And the former Scottish international scrum-half is fully aware that these are the kind of games that Reds must be looking to win if they are to take another step up the ladder and secure promotion to South West One West.

He said: "We've made a good start to the season, but that's all it is at the moment. There's a long way to go."

Beveridge, whose on-field appearances to date have been limited by injury and flu, is relishing the Thornbury clash and a reunion with former Bristol team-mate Gareth Llewellyn, who coaches the South Gloucestershire outfit.

And he's also looking forward to visiting Berry Hill. He added: "It's a big test but something we should be looking forward to. As a player, the games I loved best were always in France, as it used to inspire me. I've never really understood why going away is such a big deal for some teams; I've always just seen it as 15 against 15, and if you play well it doesn't matter where the game is."

Beveridge, who was released from his Bristol contract earlier this year, is enjoying being involved with Old Reds after a 13-year professional career that saw him play for Edinburgh and Glasgow, earning six caps.

He said: "It's a very similar set-up to Peebles, the club where I grew up. There are teams here all the way through and a lot of family involvement and it means something. Our captain (Kai Blankley) has come back to play after a few years away.

"Hopefully, I can bring something to the table in terms of making us more consistent in the decisions we take on the pitch and in our mental approach. It's all about making sure we turn up and play every week, being disciplined in training and doing everything to the best of our ability."