The National League One title may be beyond Rosslyn Park this season, but skipper Hugo Ellis is demanding a strong finish to the campaign.

Under the new leadership of James Buckland, it had been a disappointing season as Park, runners up in the two previous seasons, fell to eighth in the table.

Buckland’s departure on February 12 had an immediate impact on the team who have since recorded back to back wins – culminating in Saturday’s 27-15 win at Wharfedale.

However, with seven games remaining, Park are still 29 points behind the leaders Richmond.

Ellis said: “The title is too far, but we still need to finish the season strongly and send out a strong message for next season.

“I am a big football fan, and if you look at the likes of Leicester City – they were brilliant last season in avoiding relegation, and now they are at the top.

“But these things do not happen overnight – we need to string a run of results together, finish the season strongly and hopefully carry that into the new season.”

Scott Sneddon and Andy Holloway have stepped into the coaching role until the end of the season.

And it was Sneddon, who has not long returned from a lengthy injury lay-off, who led the Park charge last weekend, bagging 17 points, including a try, three conversions and two penalties.

Ellis also went over the whitewash and a penalty try made up the difference.

Park are without a game this weekend because of the Six Nations, but they are back in action at the Rock on March 5 when Esher are the visitors.