BRIDGWATER & Albion RFC kick off their 2017/18 campaign in South West 1 West with a home fixture against Teignmouth on September 2, which is fewer than three weeks away, writes Richard Walsh.

Last Saturday, they suffered the frustration of having their pre-season game against Chard called off by their opponents.

However, the Albion will continue their preparations this weekend with a fixture at Chew Valley, followed by a match at Winscombe on August 24.

During the off-season, boss Simon Morrell has had to undertake something of a rebuilding job, following the departure of several players who have had to retire or move on.

Morrell said: “Thankfully, we are now pretty much there in terms of recruiting, and details of our new signings will be released ahead of the new campaign.

“Last season we had an amazing squad all capable of playing at Level 6 with a number of lads able to step up a league or two above.

“We hope the guys we have pulled in will bring that little bit of ‘X factor’, and the knock-on effect will be to strengthen each of senior squads.

“At Bridgy, we have a number of talented youngsters who can really make waves this year.

“Players like Kyran Devitt, Mike Saunders, Gav Knight and Tom Fornier have really taken advantage of this, and are ready to burst ahead of the new season.”