MATT Williams believes the Christmas break has come at just the right time for his high-flying Chinnor side.

Despite losing top spot after a 29-29 draw at home to Henley Hawks on Saturday, the Kingsey Road club are only two points behind National League 2 South leaders Bishop’s Stortford.

Chinnor return to action on January 7, with a trip to Cornwall to face Redruth, who have only lost twice at home this season.

Director of rugby Williams admits his side have looked mentally tired and has given his players a break over the festive period.

He said: “It (the three-week break) has come at a brilliant time.

“We are just mentally tired and have been at the summit for the majority of the season and the guys need a break.

“We are not even training over Christmas and we will regroup on January 3 ready for a second-half assault.

“I think we will come out all guns blazing after letting everyone forget about rugby and allowing their bodies to recover.”

Williams added: “I am really pleased we have got Redruth the first game after Christmas.

“There is no harder start to the year.”

Chinnor won their first ten games in a row, but have been restricted to two victories and picked up 17 points from a possible 30 over the last six weeks.

However, they remain unbeaten at home and have still got to face Stortford and fourth-placed Taunton Titans at Kingsey Road.

When asked if he would have taken being third at Christmas at the start of the season, Williams said: “One-hundred per cent.”

“Do I think where we are at now is a problem? Far from it, I would have taken this any day of the week at the start of the season.”

He added: “I would much rather be where we are now.

“It takes the pressure off, rather than sitting clear at the top of the league.

“We are two points off the top.

“It will come down to very simply who can find the consistency and hold their nerve.”