BURNHAM-ON-SEA RFC begin life in Somerset Premier this weekend with an opening day trip to Oldfield Old Boys in Bath.

Burnham were relegated from Western Counties (W) after a tough season last time out, but both vice-chairman Tim Piper and captain Ross McKechan are looking forward to a fresh start.

New personnel are on board - in part attracted due to the reduction in travel commitments at this level - and the club are hoping to regain that winning feeling in the coming weeks and months.

McKechan said: "Over the last few months, the players have been working hard in training, under the guidance of head coach Kevin Innalls and our new assistant coach, Tim Piper.

"The two have been working together to lead sessions and it has been working really well.

"With the reduced travelling, we have seen an increase in players at training with a number of new and some familiar faces returning, which include Tom Chaffey, Ash Cutter, Dave Harris and Dan Berry.

"As well as these players, we have welcomed to the club Stefan Pierce, Will Hopkins, Ryan Rossiter, Scott Mills and Royston Grimstead.

"This influx of players has enabled us to do a lot more in training and their impact has been evident over the course of the two pre-season games - I am looking forward to their contributions to the club this season.

"The pre-season games were a bit of a mixed bag. There were loads of positives to take from them but they have also given us plenty to work on too.

"This season provides us with fresh challenges and with the influx of new players, supported by the experienced boys and the young lads coming through, I am positive that this season can be a success.

"As players, we look forward to your support on the sidelines and in the bar. Let’s make this one a good one."

Piper added: "This season brings fresh new challenges, fresh new faces, new members and new ideas but still the same objectives.

"The senior season kicks off on Saturday 1st of September with the 1st xv away to Oldfield Old Boys RFC with kick off at 3pm. The 2nds are also hoping to have a fixture, which we hope to confirm soon.

"The mini/junior section has their signing on day on Sunday 2nd September so if you wish your child to join, pop on down from 10am and see one of the coaches or members of the junior section to get details.

"This season will see us busier than ever as a club. Work on a new set of floodlights is being installed on the back pitch.

"This will enable more training facilities through the season for all ages, additional opportunities to host club and county fixtures, more involvement with our sponsors and an opportunity for some additional advertising space for local businesses.

"There has been a big drive on player sponsorship this year, which supports our club and the players but also provides businesses with advertising and regular exposure to a large group of people.

"A new disabled lift will be installed during the start of season so please be aware of works going on. As a club, we will be running a number of events to help raise funds so keep an eye out for those. Along with plenty more, we continue to push ourselves to keep up or ahead of those around us.

"We look forward to your continued support."