Tottonians will need to guard against complacency when they host last season's London Division Three South-West whipping boys when the new campaign kicks off in earnest tomorrow.

Old Blues lost all 18 of the league clashes in 2003-2004, failed to show for one of their fixtures but, with the reorganisations that saw the divisions stretch to 12 teams, were reprieved from the drop with there being no relegation.

But that will count for little as there were signs of improvement at the tail end of last term when the pair met and new skipper Paul Goodall, pictured, has already warned his side not to expect an easy ride.

Former colts Hugh Roach and Richard Stewart are given debuts to continue the club's impressive youth policy while Richard Buck switches to full back. Mike Searle's knee injury keeps him in the sidelines.

"We shall take nothing for granted," urged Goodall. "Just because they didn't win any games last year means nothing. We are confident in ourselves and we must go out with that kind of feeling to start the season well."

After two successive relegations, Winchester start their rebuilding with a tough home game with Old Wimbledonians, the side that just missed out on promotion through the play-offs in April.

With a new and highly experienced coaching staff and much the same side as last year, hope is high at Nuns Road for an instant return to London Two South for Barry Bridgman and his team, as they start as likely favourites.

Hertford number eight Ben Basley makes his debut in the pack in an otherwise familiar line-up and Bridgman is looking forward to the match with anticipation.

"I am not really worried about the opposition, I am more concerned about what we are going to do," he said.

Gosport & Fareham's opponents, Camberley, were playing National League rugby just two seasons ago but have slipped to London Two South and could be ripe for the picking.

They travel, however, without regular centre Jonathan Wood, who is with the England Lionhearts Rugby League training squad while Richard Lloyd, pictured, is also absent at fly-half. Gary Middleton and Neil Evans get their chance.

Youngsters Paul Connor, Ryan Thorne and Dane Smallbone are also included for the game which Director of Rugby Iain Rackham describes as "a journey into the unknown."

Havant could not have been given a harder start to their return to National League rugby with a trip to Barking - the first of four away days in the month.

King will not know how his team will shape up until they take the field considering the lack of pre-season match practise.

"With our first four matches - at Barking, Redruth and North Walsham and Old Patesians in the cup all away - it will show how prepared we are for the challenges ahead," he said.