MINETY need reinforcements to prop up their Dorset & Wilts Two North campaign literally.

A series of summer departures has left the club chronically short on front rowers as they prepare to start their new season.

Regulars Richard Trevascus and Dave Coughland were lost to University and Ireland respectively, while Dave Hardwick is another to depart, this time for Wales.

Coach Andy Ward admitted: "It's a real problem. Losing three front row forwards like that has left us in need of recruiting.''

Despite finishing a respectable fifth at the end of the 2001-02 campaign, skipper Charlie Gawthropp and his players found themselves the victims of rugby's annual restructuring lottery.

As the dust settled on the reshuffle, Minety were pushed through the trapdoor into a tricky-looking division featuring titanic local clashes against Supermarine, Marlborough and Cricklade.

Now, though, the club based at the Playing Fields in the village are itching to show they can recover from that psychological blow.

New wing Tom Fitzcharles has already impressed, while back row man Mark Holdsworth, from Motorola, is another to arrive.

Ward, in his second season as coach, added: "We were very disappointed at being put down a division, but spirits are high again.

"Minety is a small village with a small catchment area but we've managed to produce some good rugby and the club atmosphere remains at its best.''