Hard work in training and on fitness is starting to pay off for Bishopston, according to captain Jason Gardiner.

The Gloucester One side celebrated long into the night after last weekend's runaway win at neighbouring Ashley Down secured a healthy mid-table position.

And Gardiner believes there is plenty more to come from a Bish side bursting with youthful promise and really responding to the ideas and approach of American player-coach Doug 'Angus' Harris.

The loosehead prop said: "We're trying to work on playing intelligent rugby and looking for the gaps.

"We're also working on the assumption that we're fit enough to play a high-tempo game and run most sides in this division off the park.

"We've got some very young and very exciting backs here in people like James Oakley, Phil Cottis, Sam Halabi-ahma and Dave Preddy, who has been a revelation since switching from fly-half to full-back last season."

Those counter-attacking skills were well to the fore against Ashley Down who had few answers to Bish's fluid and adventurous style, which included calling two 11-man line-outs – one of which produced a try.

Gardiner added: "I think it's fair to say that the club has drifted over the last couple of years and we lost our way a little bit. This season we're trying hard to become more of a unit and have been looking at promoting team unity.

"It starts with what might be thought of as small details, getting people to meet up on time, everyone wearing number ones, but I think it's bringing us together and helping us form real bonds."

Numbers at twice-weekly training – another first in many years – have been so encouraging that Gardiner hopes Bish will be able to field a third team before Christmas.

Harris came on as a front row replacement against Ashley Down only to suffer a badly-torn hamstring, which could keep him out of action for the rest of the year.