Winchester RFC are heading towards a new season in London Division 3 South-West.

After suffering relegation for the second season in a row, they'll find themselves up against some new faces including neighbours Tottonians, Andover and Farnham.

Barry Bridgman has taken over as Head Coach from Mike Marchant, who remains with the club as Community Development Officer. 'Moonshine' will also act as assistant coach for Newbury RFC this season.

The season opens for Winchester next Saturday (Sept 4th) with a home game against Old Wimbledonians. The first team squad has been in training since June with Bridgman being assisted by Martin Livesey and the Hampshire Under 20s coach, Peter Allen.

Practically all last season's squad are still with Winchester, with the notable exception of wing Andy Gilpin, who has moved from the area.

There's also a group of seven or eight newcomers, including former Havant flanker Andy Scott, who's now working in the Winchester area.

Bridgman is upbeat about the forthcoming season. "We've had good numbers in pre-season training and I'm pleased with the way it's been going," he told me.

"We know we need to start climbing back up the league pyramid and I'm sure we'll have a good crack at it."

Girls' teams set to start

The minis and junior sections begin their training sessions next Sunday (Sept 5th). The club plans to follow the trend of many others and operate girls' teams at Under 14, U16 and U18 levels.

Anyone interested in attending on Sundays should ring Paul Beckett on 01962 867021 or turn up on the day (10.30am).

The club's third and final Summer Camp has been running this week for around 50 children between the ages of 7 and 16. Wasps' Fijian star Trevor Leota was among those taking coaching sessions.

Mike Umaga (Rotherham & Samoa) will be there today (Fri day 27th).