Harpenden Rugby Club head coach Matt Davies has made consistency his number one priority for the up-coming London 2 North West league season, which begins on September 13 with a home tie against Old Haberdashers.

Despite several good displays in 2013/14 which resulted in Harps finishing with a flourish to claim sixth place, he said that on a number of occasions they failed to build on impressive victories.

“Too often we would play really well one week against a top of the table side only to struggle to knock over one from the bottom of the league the following week,” he said.

“My aim is to build on the momentum we achieved in those final weeks of last season and if we can achieve that sort of consistency week in, week out then we should have a good season.

“We’ve retained the solid core of talented players from last year, which was a relatively new group, and their numbers have been bolstered by an exciting group of young players coming through from the U18s. What is also very pleasing is that the players are driving a really good culture.”

Daivs is now in his second season as head coach, and, following the resignation of first team coach Phil Cooper, he is being assisted with the coaching by former Scotland sevens player Johnny MacDonald (backs) and Dave Hynard (forwards).

“The pre-season has been going really well and we’re already all fired up for the game against Old Haberdashers,” said Davis.

“It should be an excellent test for us because they’ve just been relegated so they’ll be looking to bounce back as quickly as possible.”

The side will again be skippered by former Richmond player Adam Wheatley, with Nick Childs as vice-captain.

“On paper we’re a top four team because we’ve got depth in every position and there is a great buzz among the lads, five or six of whom travel up from London because they’re so keen to play for us,” said Wheatley.

“But, as Matt has rightly pointed out, we have to be more consistent – that’s the key.”