FINAL preparations are underway at North Petherton RFC before the start of the new season with some last-minute pre-season friendlies filling up the diary for August.

The team will host Barnstaple at home on Saturday, August 16, and Kettering on August 30 with a trip away to Chard on August 23.

North Petherton 2nd and 3rd XVs will also be at Beggars Brook on August 30 when they play friendlies against New Cross.

Simon Freeman, North Petherton RFC press secretary, said: “Pre-season has been going well with good numbers, but this could always improve.”

On Saturday, the club arranged a work and barbecue day for members and their families in preparation for the forthcoming season.

Simon said: “This gave us a chance to get the club cleaned up and ready for the upcoming season.

“Volunteers were asked to give up a couple hours of their time to help make the task a lot easier – the more help the quicker things get done.”