DEVIZES captain Tom Collins believes the promoted Saddlebacks can make an impact in South West One East next season, after learning the identity of their rivals for the 2013-14 campaign.

Collins’ men, who won the Southern Counties South title last month to achieve level six rugby for the first time in their history, have several mouthwatering encounters to look forward to when the action gets under way in September.

County neighbours Swindon and Salisbury, plus Cheltenham, Windsor, Reading, Marlow, Newbury Blues and Maidenhead feature in a heavyweight section.

A two-hour trip to Towcestrians in Northamptonshire will also underline just what a big step the Saddlebacks have made.

The fixture list is due at the end of the month, but Collins, himself a former Windsor player, said: “All the boys are really excited and can’t wait to get going.

“Although our population is smaller than most and we probably have a smaller pool of players to choose from in the local area than a lot of the other clubs, we believe we can compete at this level.

“With the talent we have in the squad plus some new additions, we think we can upset quite a few of the big teams in this league.’’

The London Road club are hoping to announce two pre-season friendlies as part of their preparations in late August, with a match against Tribute Western Counties North side Avon to be played under the club’s brand new floodlights.

They will also play last season’s big rivals Trowbridge before the big kick-off, for the Dave O’Sullivan Memorial Plate.

The club have organised strength and conditioning sessions, open to all, with Body Revolution in Chippenham and are hoping to recruit new players.

Contact Collins on 07760 223418 or 07834 404951 or email tom.collins@clearwater.eu.com.

Royal Wootton Bassett cross back into Southern Counties North after contesting the South section last season, while Marlborough have been demoted from Dorset & Wilts One North to Two North.

SOUTH WEST DIVISION COMPETITION LINE-UP (Subject to appeals over level transfers)

National League 3 South West: Amersham & Chiltern, Avonmouth Old Boys, Barnstaple, Bracknell, Brixham, Chippenham, Lydney, Newton Abbot, Old Centralians, Old Patesians, Old Redcliffians, Redingensians, Weston-super-Mare, Worcester Wanderers.

South West 1 East: Buckingham, Cheltenham, Devizes, Grove, Maidenhead, Marlow, Newbury Blues, Oxford Harlequins, Reading, Salisbury, Swindon, Towcestrians, Windsor, Witney.

Southern Counties North: Alchester, Aylesbury, Bletchley, Drifters, High Wycombe, Milton Keynes, Reading Abbey, Royal Wootton Bassett, Stow-on-the-Wold, Swindon College Old Boys, Thatcham, Wallingford.

Southern Counties South: Corsham, Dorchester, Frome, Ivel Barbarians, North Dorset, Oldfield Old Boys, Sherborne, Swanage & Wareham, Trowbridge, Wells, Weymouth, Wimborne.

Dorset & Wilts 1 North: Bradford on Avon, Calne, Chippenham 2nd, Combe Down, Devizes 2nd, Fairford, Melksham, Minety, Pewsey Vale, Supermarine, Swindon 2nd, Trowbridge 2nd.

Dorset & Wilts 2 North: Avonvale, Bath Saracens, Chippenham 3rd, Colerne, Corsham 2nd, Cricklade, Marlborough, Melksham II, Royal Wootton Bassett 2nd, Supermarine 2nd, Sutton Benger, Swindon College Old Boys 2nd.

Dorset & Wilts 3 North: Bradford on Avon 2nd, Calne 2nd, Combe Down 2nd, Devizes 3rd, Melksham 3rd, Minety 2nd, Pewsey Vale 2nd, Supermarine 3rd, Swindon 3rd, Trowbridge 3rd, Warminster 2nd, Westbury 2nd.

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