The Lily Hill Men ran in six converted tries against the in-form Gloucestershire side on Saturday to seal third spot in the table – a repeat of last year’s efforts.

And while Hallam admitted the club had been hoping for a top-two spot under head coach Rory Greenslade-Jones, he believes the loss of key players – including captain Nico Maybury and fly half Dan Antonelli – were a major factor.

He told the News: “We were aiming a bit higher but we lost a few players to work overseas which was a blow. We’re pretty pleased with the season and the club as a whole is in a good place.

“For next season we’re looking at adding two or three players in certain positions as well as general strengthening and the aim will be to win the title.” Greenslade-Jones’s side ended the season with an impressive 17 wins from their 26 games, including a sensational 22-13 victory against champions and Berkshire rivals Redingensians Rams back in January.

However, they often lost out in tight encounters, a fact confirmed by their haul of six losing bonus points. Bracknell picked up two of those against Exmouth, who finished second, 12 points ahead of the Lily Hill men.

And Hallam revealed: “Winning the close games will be something Rory and the players will be looking at and I’m sure they will improve.” Reflecting on the club as a whole, the chairman believes the future is bright at Lily Hill Park.

He said: “Our seconds won their league and lost only twice all season. We would like them to be in a stronger league but that is not possible, but it is still a great achievement.

“Our Under 14s and U15s won their leagues and the U16s were runners-up. It looks as though the U13s are going to win their league and we have had players picked for England Counties U18s (Connor Hayhow and Jacob Atkins) and Matt Dalrymple for the Lambs (Independent Schools) U14s.

“I am very happy with where we are.” And he paid tribute to the continued backing the team receives from the Lily Hill Park faithful, saying: “We have got great support but I’d like to see even more people coming down next season in what is the Rugby World Cup year. This is a great place to watch rugby in such a big year.”