HENLEY Hawks head coach Pete Davies wants his players to have fun as they challenge for the National 2 South title.

But although the leaders have won ten out of ten matches this season, Davies does not think they can remain unbeaten.

Hawks won National 2 South in 2013 before being relegated last campaign and this time round Davies says things are different.

“I didn’t necessarily enjoy the last time we got promoted as much as I should have done,” he said.

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“We put way too much pressure on ourselves.

“Obviously we did it and had that big game when we beat Worthing to take the title, but I don’t think we enjoyed the achievement enough.

“This year, that’s the big thing I’m focusing on with the players irrespective of whether we get promoted.”

Henley were hopeful of making a good start, but Davies says National 2 South remains a strong league.

“We didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “The league is still tough.

“We believe that we have a squad good enough to play in National 1. You can take from that that we should be really competitive in this league.

“To have won ten out of ten is fantastic.

“I don’t think any team will go unbeaten because it is a very competitive league.”

Having enjoyed some dominant victories, Henley have won their last two matches 30-29 and 15-10, which Davies said shows a better spirit than last season.

“We had a big off-season and the guys have worked really hard on their strength and conditioning,” he said.

“We have got a really good squad in terms of depth, but the important thing is that we have a much-improved attitude in the group.

“The guys enjoy each other’s company.”

Davies, who stepped up from assistant coach this season, has rotated his squad.

“We have used 30-plus players already this season,” he said.

“That has affected our continuity, especially in attack, but it is keeping everyone fresh and everyone knows the patterns of play.”

Davies also praised assistant coaches Luke Allen and Danny Batty plus captain Dave Clements, declaring it “a big team effort.”

Henley’s players were given the night off training on Tuesday, but only because Davies felt they had earned it.

“The goal is to get promoted,” he said. “We wouldn’t be playing in the league if that wasn’t the case.

“The last time we lost four games, but there were two fewer fixtures because Rugby Lions pulled out.

“Before the season started, people were predicting that teams would lose six-plus games and still be in with a shout of promotion.

“I am not sure about that.

“Once we have played everyone once, we will know where we are.”

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