The title race in the third tier went down to the final day as Cambridge triumphed at the expense of Rams via points difference, while the relegation dogfight was also settled in the final round with Taunton edging Esher to survival.
Former England No.8 Easter guided his side to eighth in his first season in charge but believes with the help of his new recruits they can push for a high place in what will be another congested table.
Easter said: "We're excited. We've just got back into pre-season and on our first session 36 lads turned out in a good quality session in the rain, which isn't what you expect on the first day of pre-season.
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