GOSFORD All Blacks coach Matt Watts is urging his players to use their Oxfordshire Shield victory as a springboard.
Watts’s side put up a strong defensive performance before edging out Chipping Norton in a kicking competition at Iffley Road.
But inconsistent league form means Gosford will finish at least 19 points adrift of the BB&O Premier Division’s top six.
Having held third-placed Chippy to an 11-11 draw then pipping them in the sudden-death decider, Watts believes Gosford should be doing better.
“It is a shame that we don’t do that more often,” he said.
“We should be pushing into the top half of the league next year.
“There has been a lot of hard work and emotion put in trying to make Gosford a bit more professional.
“Maybe this could be a stepping stone for next season.”
Watts added: “Their fly half, Sam Jackson, showed a whole lot of guts to kick that last penalty after struggling beforehand.
“He deserves a lot of credit for that.”
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