Cambridge winger Kwaku Asiedu on leading the try scoring charts in National League 1

It may not have been a target before the season got under way, but the National League 1 leading try scorer award is now very much in Cambridge winger Kwaku Asiedu’s sights.

The Ghanaian has been in top form for the Volac Park side so far this term, running in 18 tries to sit top of the standings, one ahead of Cinderford’s Nathan Taylor and three clear of Darlington Mowden Park’s Morgan Passman in third.

Asiedu had more modest aspirations going into the campaign, but with more than half of the matches now played, those have been adjusted.

“My main target was to beat my previous try record for a season which was 14 and I’ve done that already,” said the 29-year-old.

“I suppose I was thinking that if I could get into the top 10 I would be very happy with myself, but now I’m pacing for the top two or three, obviously I’m going to try to be number one if I can.

“I want to also get up to 50 tries for Cambridge by the end of the season and I’m six or seven away from that. Those are my main milestones to try to hit.”

But while it is Asiedu’s name regularly appearing on the scoresheet, he is well aware of the role played by his team-mates.

He added: “It’s the best rugby I’ve played, but it’s not just down to me, it’s the team.

“If you watch the majority of my tries, I’m just pinching them off team-mates!

“The team is playing really well and I’m reaping the benefits of that.

“I can’t not shout out my full-back Joe Tarrant. He’s been amazing and he’s set me up plenty of times.

“We’ve got other players as well who always break through the lines and when that happens I get the chance to run towards the line and score.

“Yes I’m having a good season, but we’ve got so many players that are helping to facilitate what I’m doing and it wouldn’t be possible without them.”

Asiedu and Cambridge suffered a setback at the weekend, surrendering a 21-5 half-time advantage to lose 33-27 at home to second-placed Rams.

The defeat has dropped Cambridge down to fourth, eight points adrift of table-topping Sale with two games in hand. Rams, meanwhile, are six points better off than Cambridge with the two teams having played the same amount of fixtures.

Nevertheless, Cambridge still have the eyes fixed on battling for the top prize.

“Richie (Williams, director of rugby) has been building this team for a few years,” said Asiedu.

“We had this good culture last year and the fact he’s been able to retain most of those players – and add some very good back-up players – means it’s still there and stronger than it was.

“We’re in this together and everyone is playing for each other. You can see that when we play, especially when we played Sale. In the second half we defended so well that they didn’t score any points against us, not even a penalty.

“That comes down to everyone’s self belief, we trust each other and it’s paying off.

“That was our main goal this season, to win the league, and that hasn’t changed at all.

“We’re chasing that number one spot and to get promoted as well.

“That’s not been any doubt from the start and we’re working hard towards it.”