New blood will be needed if Tottonians are to continue their rise up the league ladder.

Members of the booming club are still celebrating their championship-winning season but are only too aware that tougher opposition is waiting in the wings.

Coach Bob Millard has just completed his fifth season with Totts and is already planning his side's assault on London South West 3.

He said: "When you go 14 games unbeaten it must be a good season. When I look back I wanted to have won eight from ten games by the new year - in fact it was ten from ten.

"It has gone phenomenally well, mainly through preparation and hard work on the training ground.

"Pre-season is critical to success and we need to hit the ground running and will be back training on the first Tuesday in July.

"We realise that if we are to continue to develop and go on up the leagues we need to have a bigger squad of quality players. What we have now will do the job but people do not stay fully fit throughout the season.

"It's going to be physically harder so we need to be fitter and a big squad at our disposal."

One key member who will not be in green, black and white hoops next term is leading try scorer Ali Ramus who is off to America for a year.

There was special praise for young players of the year Richard Buck and Michael Searle at the club's end-of-season presentation.

"The youngsters have made a big, big difference and there are more who are capable of stepping up," added Millard.

Michael Dibden was voted most improved colt and another youngster, Joe Jarvis, was named second team player of the season.

Openside flanker Gareth Edwards was awarded first team player of the season, Graham Muchmore claimed the title in the thirds, Phil Constable for the veterans and Holly Searle for the women.

Anyone interested in joining the Water Lane club should contact Millard on 023 8084 5779 or 07785 578918.