Mike Cudmore says Ealing Trailfinders will treat every game in January like a cup final to give themselves the best chance of survival.
The director of rugby takes his team to Nottingham on Sunday seeking what would be only their second win of a morale-sapping campaign.
But he insists they are still very much in with a chance of beating the drop from the Championship if they can gain some momentum, and a New Year’s Day training session is testament to their determination.
“Players are never happy having to train over Christmas and New Year, but they also realise we have to give ourselves the best chance of mounting an escape,” Cudmore said. “We will treat all the games this month as big games, even the B&I Cup matches, because we need to build momentum and a winning mentality.
“We know what we can do now, having finally got a win in this league and we are pushing teams a lot more now.
“I thought we were unlucky not to get something from the game against Bristol before Christmas.
“If we get our combinations right, we will be competitive and there’s a lot more confidence and spirit about the team.
“A couple of wins and we’d suddenly be moving up the table and really in business.”
Although Nottingham are only two places better off than Trailfinders, Cudmore watched their televised game at Leeds last weekend and was impressed, even though they lost.
“They are a good side,” said Ealing’s boss. “They showed that.
“They were particularly good in the second half and we’ll have to be on our toes.”
