THERE will be plenty of new opposition to defeat if Kidderminster Carolians are to improve on last season's impressive third place in Midlands West Three (North).

Only Aston Old Edwardians, Bridgnorth, Lichfield and KCs are left from the 10 who comprised the league last season.

They are now joined by Shrewsbury, Willenhall, Burntwood, Newport, Stoke and Burton in what promises to be a tough division.

KCs' new club captain is Eddie Ross who is in his fourth season at the club since moving from Old Halesonians and he will take charge of much the same squad as last season.

One early signing has been Richard Wakefield, a centre or fly-half who has played for Old Hales and Moseley Colts.

Ross can only see the young side improving after learning plenty from their early baptism last term.

But he foresees some tough opponents with some clubs aiming to climb back up the leagues after being relegated.

Ross Baxter remains player-coach with Phil Knowles still manager and they are looking for a good start to the campaign on Saturday, September 14, when KCs entertain Shrewsbury.

They entertain Ledbury at Marlpool Lane in the National Intermediate Cup the following week.

Rob Preston will skipper the seconds in a new merit table which includes clubs like Ledbury, Hereford, Stourport, Bromsgrove, Pershore, Redditch and Worcester.

It will create more competition and KCs expect Preston to be a good leader.

Chris Jones, the new thirds captain, has a full fixture list, while last season's seconds skipper Stuart Eades takes over as chairman of rugby.

Brian Garrett, who was a successful club captain between 1981 and 1982, takes over from Ian Wilson as president.

KCs have a friendly at Selly Oak on Saturday (3pm).