DESPITE losing the services of three promising players due to unfortunate pre-season injuries, Tenbury Rugby Club's skipper Stephen Price is optimistic about the prospects for their North Midlands 1 season which starts at Bredon Star on Saturday.

Price, who will leading the club for a second season, said: "Although unfortunate accidents have meant that promising young players Rob Yeomans, Richard Bemand and Richard Wozencroft will be out for some time, preparations for the new season have gone well.

"New coach Andy Collins, who has played for Bristol, Worcester and Birmingham/Solihull, has lifted the spirits and the well-attended training and coaching sessions have given us a new sense of purpose and direction."

He will have the support of his vice-captain Rob Phillips who can fill any of the back-row positions.

The North Midlands 1 League should be very attractive with several tasty local derbies to savour, with Tenbury being joined by the Bromyard and Bishop's Castle clubs in the reformed league.