Weybridge Vandals head coach Ian Bardgett insists there is no doubt the team can challenge for the London Division Two South West title next season.

Bardgett closed the season - and his four-year spell in charge - with a 36-31 defeat to play-off challengers Tottonians at Brownacres on Saturday, which saw his team finish the campaign well clear of the drop zone.

Vandals, who claimed the Division Four South West title last season having suffered only one defeat, had flirted with relegation before a four-match winning burst straddling February and March ensured safety.

And Bardgett, whose side had made a promising start to the campaign in winning four of their first six encounters, reckons there is a good platform to push on next season.

“There is absolutely no doubt Vandals can challenge for promotion next year, particularly with a good pre-season under their belts,” he said.

“Some of our results have been a reflection of the potential within the squad and with a bit more belief - and strength in depth - anything is possible.

“At times, having come up last summer, we have given the opposition a bit too much respect, which you cannot afford to do.

“The guys have got to go into next year knowing they can win the league and I’m looking forward to following their progress.”

Tries from Jake Sines (2), Cassian Bramham-Law, Andy Howe and skipper Jon Cottam ensured a try-packed end to the season, but not the win Bardgett wanted to sign off with.

The Halliford School teacher took over at Brownacres following relegation from London Three South West, before building last season’s league winning squad.

But it is the progress of a number of players during his tenure that gives him most pleasure.

“Winning the league is the obvious highlight, but for me it has been more about the development of many players over the last five years, “ he added.

“I think the average age was something like 19-years-old when I took over. It is more pleasing to look at the gradual improvement of players over that time.

“When you invest so much time into something, it will be strange not to be part of it.”