OCTOBER may not seem the most lip smacking of months for Worcester supporters. In reality it is exactly what is needed.

Two cup games and league matches against Manchester and Wakefield hardly fire the imagination.

But for a Worcester side which has struggled to put forward 80 minutes of consistent rugby it is an ideal opportunity to build momentum for some rigorous tests ahead.

Worcester lie second in the National One table, after four games, one point behind Pertemps Bees following their bonus point enriched start to the season.

However, you have to suspect -- with the Birmingham side having to face Coventry and Otley this month -- that their squad strength will be tested to the limit with such physical opposition.

Add to that, forthcoming games against Orrell and Bedford in November and by the time Worcester travel to Sharmans Cross Road on December 13, the Bees may not be buzzing quite as loudly.

Unsurprisingly, they are playing their chances down. They will tell anyone who wants to listen that they've got no chance and don't have big-name players in the side. Apart from Nick Baxter, Nathan Carter, Craig Chalmers and Jim Jenner that is!

Jenner, who left Sixways in the summer after a bust up with coach Andy Keast, still lives in Worcester but admits he's loving every minute at Birmingham.

"It's a very relaxed environment," he said. "Quite a contrast to Worcester. The players, of course, have their own high standards and want to do well. However, we also want to enjoy ourselves. We're certainly doing that on top of the table!

"In all seriousness, though, we are not title contenders and I think people will see that in the months that follow. There's no pressure on us, we haven't got big money, we haven't got great facilities but we're here to cause some trouble in this league."

So, no pressure but someone must be paying them something surely? You don't bring in Jenner and Chalmers for peanuts.

The former Newcastle man, though, believes that the playing budget for Birmingham is dwarfed by that at Sixways.

"I think you could probably pay for the whole of the Birmingham squad with two of Worcester's highest paid players. I've no doubt about that."

It is understandable, of course, that Birmingham want to take the underdog tag. After all, even if they won National One they could not be promoted because of their ground.

So, if you do take them out of the mix, just who is left?

"The league is between Worcester and Orrell," Jenner added. "Really, Worcester should win promotion this season when you look at their playing squad and facilities. There really can't be any excuses for them this time."

Jenner is well aware, though, from his years at Sixways, just how tough this league is, especially with every opponent hoping to either beat Worcester or beat them up.

The club do indeed have a wonderful opportunity this season and October, although unlikely to be decisive, should provide us with some important indicators.