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.”