Tough fixture list but KCs know opponents well

Most of their opponents were in West One last time around, but last season's runners-up to Kidderminster in West Two, Old Yardleians, together with Leek will help form the 10-club division.

With matches played on a home and away basis, it will be a fairer judge of a team's ability.

Last season KCs played against all the teams they will meet in the new league and won every game.

It was a mixture of league, cup, and friendlies. The only side they did not play was Stafford, and they will be tough opponents.

The season opens this Saturday with a first round match in the NPI Cup against Shrewsbury and with ground advantage, KCs could progress.

Shrewsbury had expected to be promoted, and when they were not, took it to appeal with the RFU, although this failed.

KCs' narrow 27-25 win against them last December saw some superb rugby played by both sides.

The league campaign gets under way on Saturday, September 16 with a home match against Telford.

KCs have three of their first four league matches at home, so this should be a big advantage.

There is also a very good friendly fixture list, with Bromsgrove and Stratford-on-Avon being two of the quality opponents.

With a new player-coach, Ross Baxter, the former Bromsgrove flanker, comes a new clubhouse.

This impressive building will be a good morale-booster for the club. Certainly there is nothing better in KCs' division.

On the playing side, the players have trained hard under Baxter, and with the same squad as last season there is a confidence that it could be an interesting year.

Some new players have arrived, but there could be other signings in the near future.

Baxter knows that Ian Bletcher has left a very good foundation at Marlpool Lane and sees no reason to make major changes

He does have some new plans, but looking at the success in recent seasons they will not be revolutionary.