London Cornish head coach Tom Sincock reckons last season’s play-off disappointment will spur the exiles to go one better this season.

The new London Two South West campaign kicks off this weekend with the exiles facing a trip to KCS Old Boys (2pm).

Last season, they finished runners-up to Tottonians, and eventually lost the play-off final to Medway, going down 29-12.

Despite the disappointment, Sincock says his side will learn the lessons.

“It was a great game to be involved in and one we all learned a lot from.

“I remember a lot of nervous energy both from the players and coaching staff.

“Losing that match has definitely made the lads hungry to go a step further this season.

“I believe I’ve learnt a lot from that match and how we’ll prepare in the future for similar ‘cup final’ type games.”

The exiles have recruited Tom Baker and Jackson Szabo, while Josh Allison has stepped up from the second XV.

Sincock, pictured, said: “Tom and Jackson were great last minute additions and I think we will see more of their potential this season.

“Director of rugby Dickon Moon heard on the grapevine that Jackson was heading to London, and after watching him play for Trowbridge at Guildford in the RFU Intermediate Cup the season before, he was straight onto him.”

He added: “We have had some great new arrivals who have really impressed in the pre-season games, and we expect them to place a lot of pressure on the current players.

“I expect there will be a few league debuts coming up.