Chingford Rugby Club could be on the cusp of big things after charging to the top of London Two North league.

First team manager Phil Howell set his squad the goal of getting out of the division this campaign so they can plot a course towards the national leagues.

And so far this season, his players have shown themselves equal to the challenge having gone on an eight-game winning streak in the league which leaves them two points ahead of second placed Staines.

"It might sound big headed, but we are now the top amateur club in Essex and the London area," said Howell. "Our aim now is to get into League One and then put together a two or three year plan to get into the national leagues. But there will need to be quite a big mindset change."

Howell has been part of Chingford set-up since 1989, and played until leg injuries forced him to the touchline in 1995. His own knowledge and love of the game, which his wife shares, secured him the managerial hot seat in 2001.

Chingford's story during his tenure is one of continuous improvement. Promoted three seasons ago, the inaugural 2005-06 season in London Two North ended with a forth place finish, and last season the team secured third.

Howell now believes the team has the quality to maintain the drive - the first 15's current form sees them pulling up trees, and there looks to be a deep enough well of class in the squad to prevent the promotion push from petering out.

"A lot of the squad have played representative rugby, and 70 per cent have national honours," stated Howell. "Matt Lockwood played for England Students, Luke Campbell played pro rugby in Ireland, and Tobias De Clerk is a points scoring machine at the moment. The average age is 25, so it is a young team too. Our progress is down to the players' quality."

The promise shown in recent seasons has translated into the Waltham Way clubs' participation in the prestigious National Cup. Only two clubs below the national leagues are invited each year. Although Chingford have been a fixture for the past three seasons they have yet to progress past the first round.

However, this could change in the future, with training being stepped up a notch with the recruitment of new backs coach, Kiwi Stefan Smith. He brings real pedigree, having been involved in New Zealand club side Ponns that has developed many All Blacks players over the years.

Howell said: "He is a new broom, and has brought discipline."

But it’s not all work down at Waltham Way. The club has a strong social scene and the first team are off to tour Chicago and Las Vegas next year.

There is a close knit ethos at Chingford too. The ranks below the first 15 are in fine fettle, and new members are always welcome.

"It is a family club,"" claimed Howell. "Kids who play on Sunday can come along on Saturday's as ball boys. With everything going on in Waltham Forest, rugby can instil discipline and good moral values."