Andy Dawson believes things can only get better for Chipping Norton after a solid start to life in Southern Counties North.

Chippy’s director of rugby is hopeful they can mount a promotion charge next season, although there is still plenty to play for this time around.

Dawson said: “At the beginning of the season, I would love to have said we would be in the top three, but I would have taken mid-table.

“I just think the future looks so good for us with our young players.

“We had two 17-year-olds playing against Bicester.

“I would like to finish up there this year, and next year see how we can develop.

“It would be nice to recruit one or two more experienced players like Risbridger or Linstrom at Bicester.

“That would make the difference from us being a good side to a top side.”

Dawson, whose side are fifth in the table, added: “Just before Christmas, we played Buckingham missing many players.

“That was just a bad day at the office, and we finished the game with 13 men.

“From then, it has taken a few weeks to come back.

“I feel we should have won the two games before Bicester, but we just couldn’t finish and didn’t show any patience.”