Banbury Bulls coach Grant Holmes believes his players can control their own title destiny if they show more commitment.

Bulls lie second in Midlands 2 East South, just one point off top spot, so they are certainly well placed.

But Holmes has challenged his squad to show they really want promotion.

He said: “I think we have got what it takes to win the league, but it is not going to be easy.

“We have had two big wins, but the other victories have been really tough.

“The guys have got to work hard to achieve the goals they have set themselves.

“It means training on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which not enough players are doing.

“If they really want it, it is there for the taking.”

Banbury began and ended last season in decent form, but had a bad slump in the middle period when the rain came and the pitches got muddier.

Holmes said: “We are going to have to learn to play wet weather rugby if we are going to be successful.

“We only managed one point from this period last season.

“But Saturday’s win against Northampton BBOB takes us a little bit further from the chasing pack.”

He added: “We have got a bit more strength in depth this year. There were seven players who weren’t available against BBOB, but played in the previous two weeks.

“Those who came in did well.”