Finsbury Park coach Gareth Chapman hopes having a weekend off has a positive effect on his side as they look to rest up ahead of even bigger challenges in Herts/Middlesex One.

The Downhills Park outfit have no game this weekend on the back of sealing an 18-10 victory against Hendon last weekend to remain second in the table after their opening eight fixtures.

Chapman and his side have picked up seven wins, but they’re expecting it to get tougher in the coming weeks.

“I think it’s come at a good time, the break, and hopefully it has a positive effect on the team,” he said.

“This is just a nice opportunity for the boys to have a rest, get rid of their knocks, and come back ready to go again.”

The coach did however admit that everyone in the team is most likely shocked to see them still sitting second in the league, adding: “I think it’s a real shock for everyone, not just ourselves, but we know exactly what we can do and must keep doing it.

“We have a lot bigger tests to come and we’re playing some of the teams at the top end of the table in the coming weeks.

“Playing against those teams will determine how our season is going to go in the upcoming weeks.”

The former Park defender also praised their recent opponents Hendon and believes they were his side’s toughest challenge yet this term – despite them sitting 10th in the table.

“They were one of the better teams we have played so far this season,” Chapman revealed.

“I was very impressed with them as a team and how they played, to be honest with you.

“It was also the first weekend of international rugby which makes it hard for every side as you have players go off to watch the games.

“But that made it more pleasing as it showed what strength and depth we have in our squad to go get the win.”

Chapman did feel that his side having to play a few home matches this season at Hendon’s Greenlands Lane ground played to their advantage.

“We knew the place well so it’s become a home away from home and didn’t really give them any advantage,” he said.