JIM Dixon believes the real proof of his Basingstoke side's progress will come in the forthcoming fixtures against the leading London one clubs.

Saturday's visit of fourth-placed Canterbury to Down Grange was only one of four clubs from the top five that 'Stoke still have to face.

London Scottish, Cambridge and Richmond are all on the horizon, making the next period of action one of the most difficult 'Stoke have faced in recent times.

Their run of four wins from five matches before Saturday restored confidence and lifted 'them away from the drop zone.

But with the league still very tight - Old Colfeians and Sutton and Epsom are ready to pounce if 'Stoke slip up - a season-defining period looms against the big clubs, who will want to put Dixon's side back in the mire.

The 27-year-old Kiwi player-coach said: "It's going to be very tough over the next five weeks.

"We're not playing clubs at the bottom any more, we're meeting the best teams in the league.

"We know the level of performance we will have to put in to get the results we need. It won't be easy, but we are a far better team than the one Richmond, Scottish and Cambridge played last year.

"We are playing with confidence and as a team, but we're not in the position to be arrogant. There's still a long way to go."

Dixon added: "The good thing is we are on form and playing the rugby I always felt the side was capable of.

"Our pack and defence is strong, and the backs are always a threat, if we give them the right ball to work with.

"Some of the inexperienced guys now know what it takes to win games in this league, how to play individually and as part of a team.

"We're making fewer mistakes and the spirit is good. We want to prove the doubters wrong."

Dixon welcomes the healthy competition for places, as various Dragons players are knocking on the door of the first team.

"It's what I always wanted," said Dixon. "A strong second side to put pressure on the senior boys.

"There's competition for most places throughout the side and apart from the injuries to Kelvin (Chapman), Matt (Evans) and Steve (Collins), we're pretty much at full-strength.

"Obviously, the core of the side remains intact. You need that cohesion.

"But it's nice to have the headache of deciding which areas to tweak, depending on the opposition, and the game plan we want to take into matches."