DEVIZES will unveil a new streamlined club as they launch their 2011-12 campaign this weekend.

The Leisure Centre-based club have dropped a side from both of their men’s and women’s sections ahead of the season.

New chairman Victoria Smith, who succeeded Toby Brown after his 11 years at the helm, said: “We think this will be beneficial in the long term and will enable us to field bigger squads each week and support the progression of the youth players through the club, which our coach Ollie Smith is committed to doing.

“Ollie has been coaching the ladies for the last three years as well as the men’s third team, but will now be coaching all teams in the club.’’

The men’s first team, led by Jim Tyler, begin their Davis Wood League Premier Division One campaign at University of Exeter B on Saturday, with the women’s top side, skippered by Laura North, travelling to Team Bath Buccaneers 3 in the West Club’s League.

Marlborough men open their Premier Three campaign at home to Plymouth University, while Chippenham also start at home, against Leominster after their promotion last season.

Skipper Ben Snell, whose side also reached the semi finals of the England Hockey National Vase last term, said: “It will be hard to replicate the success of last season, especially with the loss of a few of our key players.

“However we are aiming to compete hard in this league and a mid-table finish will be a more than welcome outcome.

“We have added Selwyn Widger from West Wilts who will be a great asset to the team and a lot of young players have worked up through the squads now have their chance.’’

Wootton Bassett’s season does not get underway until next week, but they are aiming to go one better in the Avon Division under new skipper Mark Tolley after just missing promotion last term.

Vice captain Kristian Mansfield said: “We have new faces and there has been lots of hard work at training.

“With players returning from university, and exciting new youth players stepping up, promotion is certainly achievable.’’

Mike Davies and Robin Cook lead the second and third teams respectively, while Suzanne Coles leads the women’s first team.