Belsize Park director of rugby and first-team coach Zachary Webb has set the bar high and is aiming to win the London Two North West title this campaign.

The club finished fourth last season, 22 points behind eventual winners HAC after a strong season, and will now be looking to push on by going a few steps better this term.

Especially after some strong pre-season games and training including an impressive 74-14 win against Upminster.

“To win the league,” Webb said. “It’s been the best ever pre-season and we will hopefully be prepared but our coaching team would always ask for more time.”

Webb believes they have been setting the foundations for a successful future during pre-season and don’t want to rush into things too quick, adding: “We’re layering the steps in training and all in its own good time will we want the league games to start.”

The coach is expecting a very tough league and has pin-pointed Hampstead and Harpenden as their title rivals.

“We have been in this league for two years now and the competition level is high,” he said. “Hampstead and Harpenden are great sides and have proven how difficult it is to go up. Grasshoppers and London Nigerians are old foes and friends.

“The sides coming down are strong, and there are plenty of other banana skins along the way.”

Webb is also very pleased to keep hold of majority of his squad and believes they will all buy into the goal as they’re such a tight-knit group.

“The squad has largely stuck together aside from natural attrition levels,” added Webb.

“We have a very close group and have been fortunate to take in an influx of strong and committed talent.

“It feels like we have a lot of positive buy-in already and that is half the battle.”

Belsize Park start their season at home at Regent’s Park and Webb admits they need to build strong home form this season.

“We lost this game last year. We used to have a great winning record at home,” he added.

“We need to remind ourselves of the privilege to play where we do.”