Championship action returns this Saturday as Hartpury travel to the famous London Scottish for round seven of the league season.

Hartpury’s most recent Championship outing was an uplifting 29-27 home win against a strong Doncaster Knights, although it remains to be seen whether two slightly faltering performances in the British & Irish Cup will have done anything to undermine the momentum of that result.

In truth, last Saturday’s trip to West Wales, to play a Scarlets Premiership Select, was a game that Hartpury could, and probably should, have won – failing to turn a wealth of territory and possession into points while showing occasional defensive lapses that would not have pleased the coaching staff.

“It was a disappointing game to lose after dominating for long stretches,” said Hartpury director of rugby John Barnes.

“We still need to be better at turning the opportunities we create into scores. On top of that, we gifted them their tries and made life difficult for ourselves at times. The weather didn’t help in terms of the game as a spectacle, but that was the same problem for both sides.”

Looking ahead, Saturday’s fixture pits Hartpury against a club that have had a difficult start to the campaign. An opening day win has been followed by five successive defeats, although apart from a nasty mauling at Ealing Trailfinders, the games have been reasonably close.

“Scottish have had a tough start to the season but have been unlucky to be on the wrong side of a few close results,” said Barnes. “With Dave Morris in as director of rugby, he brings with him a wealth of knowledge from the student game having been at Loughborough for many years.

They’ve recruited well, including a number of former Loughborough students, and I’m sure will be looking for their second win of the season.”

Hartpury are likely to be in reasonable strength, excluding long term injuries, although one player certain to be missing is scrum-half Harry Randall, hat-trick hero versus Doncaster, who picked up a knock playing for Gloucester United on Monday.

BJ Edwards and Mike Daniels also need more time, while experienced back row forward Iain Grieve is unlikely to be available after sustaining an injury at Llanelli.

Hartpury do not have a fixture next weekend, giving an extra week to get over current bumps and bruises.

“Bye weeks are good if you have injury concerns, but a pain if you have good winning momentum!” said Barnes.

He is, however, pleased to be able to get back to Championship rugby. “It’s good to be back in league action after a two-week break. Our focus has always been about competing in the Championship and retaining our position in the League.”