CRICKLADE player-coach Jason Johnson has backed local rivals Supermarine to lift the Dorset & Wilts Two North crown but reckons his own outfit can run them pretty close.

Player-coach Johnson is gearing up for a major assault on the top end of the table after a successful first season of league rugby at Fairview Fields.

Cricklade have to wait until September 28 to kick off their league bid, with a home clash against Minety.

But Johnson has lined up a tough series of preparation matches, with contests against Swindon College Old Boys and Swindon both lined up in the build-up to the opener.

"I think we will certainly increase on what we did last year,'' said Johnson, who has already been offered help with training and facilities from his former club.

"We did very well last year our first in the league, and as player-coach now there are a lot of things I want to pass on and work on.''

Cricklade will certainly find plenty of local opposition standing in the way of them and the upper reaches of the table.

As well as Marine and Minety, Marlborough and Pewsey Vale are in Dorset & Wilts Two North, while Hungerford and Colerne complete the line-up.

Johnson added: "Marine and Marlborough are also pretty strong and it looks like Marine will be the ones to watch.

"I think they will probably win it, but we can be a close second to them.

"We beat Marlborough well last season and we have an early chance against Minety.''

Numbers permitting, Cricklade are also hoping to introduce a second team later on in the season.

Johnson added: "I think we will do all right.

"Pre-season training has gone very well and we should be fine.''