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Oldfield coach Kevin Moggridge has written off his side's chances of winning this season's Southern Counties South title ahead of tomorrow's opening-day home date with Sherborne. The Shaft Road club missed the promotion boat last season after a home play-off defeat by Swindon.
"Our expectations are lower this season because there is a bit of a squad rebuild under way at the club, which means nobody is talking about promotion or the title," said Moggridge.
Oldfield have two of their star performers - last season's top Southern Counties South points-scorer, fly-half Joel Hawkins, and outside centre and former player coach Andy Boyce - suspended for six and eight weeks, respectively.
"We'll miss them for a couple of months, but Pat Bunton and Paul Tyrrell will be coming in this weekend and they are both experienced hands," said Moggridge.
"The key to the game for me will be how our back row performs. If Alex Woods, Shaun Longstaffe and Andy Ross get on top of the job at the breakdown, we should be on top."
Walcot, who have switched across from Western Counties North, make their divisional debut at North Dorset with coach Pete Blackett insisting all he wants is an opening-day win.
Working with former Bath and England back-rower Steve Ojomoh, Blackett believes Walcot are well-prepared for a season of unknowns.
"The team will have a bit of a different look to it this season. The new faces have settled in well and we've left out a couple of guys who have looked a touch complacent in pre-season. The target is to come back from North Dorset with a win under our belt but what I want to see most is a decent performance."
Skipper Terry Hughes and Blackett have kept faith with the majority of those who comfortably beat Frome in a warm up last Saturday.
In the pack, only Danny Williams is absent, while, in the three-quarters, Tom Crockett and Joel Dixon both return. Simon Kibble starts at scrum-half in place of James Gay.
Head coach Mark Simmons will have far from a full-strength side on duty for Cooper Avon Tyres' opening game away at newly-promoted Bridport.
"We're three short in the forwards and another three adrift in the backs because of injuries and unavailability," said Simmons.
"But I hope to see the guys drafted into the side take their chance to stake strong claims to stay in the side and step up the competition for places."
Trowbridge start their 75th anniversary season against Oakmedians at Green Lane.
New boy Jack Hanham starts at scrum-half but their other close-season capture, full-back Dave Wells, has defected back to Keynsham.
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Fixtures 2008 - 2009
Oldfield Old Boys Rugby Football Club was established in 1950 and fields 3 Senior teams each week, plus Vets and U19 sides. Our 1st XV play in Southern Counties South, Our 2nd XV in Somerset 2 North & 3rd XV in Somerset 3 North. 
