London Scottish director of rugby Brett Taylor has warned National Division One rivals Esher his side are yet to find their best form this season.
The Exiles pegged back the Molesey Road outfit’s advantage at the top of the table to four points with Saturday’s 37-14 bonus point triumph over Otley during horrendous conditions in Richmond.
It stretched Scottish’s winning run to seven matches since a last-gasp defeat at the hands of their near neighbours in September and Taylor reckons his men are yet to put together the complete 80 minutes of rugby this season.
“It is good we cut the lead and it is important we keep chipping away to take advantage of any slip ups,” he said.
“We created a stupid amount of opportunities against Otley and if we had been at our ruthless best we would have scored more points.
“I don’t think we’ve absolutely nailed things this season, yet, but then again, I don’t think you will have that 80 minutes of all singing, all dancing rugby this season.
“With the sides that are in this league, that probably just won’t happen.
“We have to realise when we are in a purple patch during a game and capitalise on it. How well you jump on those opportunities, is how you are judged in this league.”
Tries from Frankie Neale, Gary Trueman, Ian McInroy and David Howells (2) saw Scottish battle back from 14-6 down to secure a bonus point triumph at the weekend.
Taylor’s squad enjoys a break from league action this Saturday before hosting mid-table Stourbridge bidding for an eighth straight win, and the Athletic Ground chief says he is delighted with how things have panned out over the last two months.
“Losing to Esher was a really bitter pill to swallow and the way the lads have responded since than has been fantastic. It has worked as a spring board,” he added.
“Week in, week out it is a hard slog. You can’t afford any lapses. If you slip off it one week you get found out. You can’t have those weeks where you take things for granted.”
Scottish’s next three fixtures: Nov 28 Stourbridge (h), Dec 5 Newbury (a), 12 Tynedale (h).
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