CONSISTENCY is the key to North Bristol’s resurgence up the Gloucester One League in the coming months.

North tackle Bredon Star on the back of a tough 33-10 defeat away at Berry Hill last Saturday.

But with the division extremely tight, just one win would rocket North Bristol back into the top half of the table.

So, with the club in a transition phase after their relegation from the Gloucester Premier League six months ago, chairman of rugby Mike Cantin thinks keeping the same team on the pitch for consecutive weeks would make a big difference in their fortunes this season.

Cantin said: “We are in the same boat as most other clubs. It’s about which players we have available. We have a big injury list and most players’ priorities are changing now. Being available on a Saturday for rugby is not taken for granted.

“We are in a massive change at the moment and have a load of youngsters in the side and we are trying to integrate them into the team. So this season is about consolidating.”

North began the season well at the start of September with a 30-13 win over Old Cryptians but a big defeat to Old Colstonians to follow that plus a loss at current runaway leaders Old Elizabethans were not what the doctor ordered.

However, they turned it around last month with an away win over Southmead and whitewashing St Brendan’s Old Boys 22-0 priority to the Berry Hill defeat has given them three wins and three losses in their six league games so far.

Cantin added: “We were fourth before Saturday’s game and now we are ninth. That’s how close it is. It would be nice to get a bit of consistency. It’s about getting a run of games going with performances and availability.”

Despite the transition, with young players coming into the senior team, the chairman of rugby believes the club will not be satisfied with a mid-table finish in Gloucester One.

“I think we, realistically, want more than that,” he said. “We are not taking this league for granted as there are some good teams there and some are performing well. I think a top four finish would be nice.”

Indeed, North have a thriving youth section which is helping their senior teams become self-sustaining.

“Our junior set-up at the club is one of the strongest in the (Bristol) Combination and we have three hundred.

“We are managing the Colts through (to the seniors) and will see how that goes.

“They have the ability but what they have not got is the experience.”

So Cantin hopes North can get back on course this weekend against Bredon Star.

“It’s a home game and hopefully we will get a good result,” added the chairman of rugby.