THIS Saturday marks the start of the new rugby season for our local sides...141 days since the last one ended.

And if the last campaign is anything to go by, 2004/05 should hold plenty of drama.

Bromsgrove RFC First XV finished last term in the most nail-biting of fashions, securing promotion back to Midlands One with literally the last kick of the season in their 10-9 victory at Derby.

Droitwich Spa RFC First XV on the other hand, playing at their highest level in history, battled to a creditable fifth place. And that after having pushed for a second successive promotion earlier in the campaign before an injury crisis, at one point including nine first team personnel, slowed them down.

Both sides know this season, as with any other, will be tough and provide its fair share of ups and downs.

Dean Ball's Bromsgrove have a point to prove. Being relegated from Midlands One last year despite finishing fifth bottom still rankles with the Finstall Park faithful.

The team's injury problems of that season have been well documented and it has always been their belief they can more than compete at that level when at full strength.

Director of coaching Ball said: "We won't fear anybody and look forward to meeting many of our old foes. Our aim is to go out there and be a competitive team. All we can do is prepare ourselves as best we can.

"A lot has been said about the relegation issue but my view is that we were our own worst enemy. Injuries will happen again this time round and perhaps we will deal with them better.

"We have hopefully learned from that and with all that experience it's up to us to put it on to the field."

Bromsgrove have strengthened their squad by recruiting prop forwards Mike Lammas and Dan Chesham and open side flanker Paul Meadow. They also welcome back Dan Ott , Ian Bailey and Ben Eason.