UPTON Rugby Club's pre-season training programme got underway this week with first team captain, Rob Heeley laying down the gauntlet to all players to 'fight for their places'.

With training now at the Club every Tuesday at 7pm, Heeley is promising a squad fit to challenge for promotion for the 2001/2002 campaign.

"It's simple - the first team squad will be picked on individual fitness and ability", he says. "Everyone's place in the first team, including mine, will be open to the best players in the selection committee's view. All players will be keenly watched from the first minute of training to establish whether they have taken care of themselves in the off-season, and if they have the physical ability and mental attitude to prepare for the rigours ahead. There is no doubt it will be a tough season."

It's the 21st campaign for the North Midlands One Club, with last season judged by club chairman, Ray Gidley, as a mediocre one. "We've put it behind us now, but in my view the players can do much better. We have also had a scare in the last few weeks with the RFU deciding that the way to get last season's league tables settled following major disruption from floods and Foot and Mouth disease, was to employ a mathematical formula. This farcical move resulted in Upton RFC being relegated. We submitted an appeal which has been successful and remain in North Midlands One."

For the new season, 1st XV captain Rob Heeley is re-elected, with new captains for both the 2nd and 3rd XV. Dai Hodges leads the seconds and Andy Morgan will take on the challenging third team role. All captains are currently talking to new and current players, forming what they believe will be the nucleus of each squad.

The new season starts with the annual Upton seven a side tournament on August 25 - all local teams are invited to put forward entries to this popular tournament by contacting Nigel Barnwell on (01684) 592046.

Upton RFC is keen to recruit members and players of all abilities says Ray Gidley: "If you are interested in joining a club eager to progress on the field then why not just turn up on a Tuesday training night or contact Rob Heeley on 07980 255783."