Coalville are relishing the prospect of stepping up a division following their title-winning exploits last term.

The side are having a crack at Midlands One (East) and have not made too many changes from the squad that got them promoted so convincingly.

That comes as no major surprise. The team have scored tries for fun over the last few campaigns and also have a rock-solid defence.

A step up will be a challenge, but, with David Cresswell overseeing affairs as head coach and Stuart Redfern as forwards coach, the side are well led.

With the likes of Dave Mayne, Matt Twigg, Jon Neville, Adam White and Michael Richmond in the side, Coalville could well be a force in what promises to be a competitive league.

They start at home to Bedford Athletic on Saturday.

Syston will also hope to go well this term. They were there or thereabouts for much of last season but eventually narrowly missed out on elevation to National Three Midlands (N3M) as Scunthorpe won the title, and Old Northamptonians took the play-off place.

With Hinckley's promotion to the national divisions, that means South Leicester will be the sole representatives in N3M and there have been big changes at the club.

Former Tigers winger Steve Booth has taken on the head coach role and he will be supported by Ian Smith and Tigers conditioning coach Ed Gannon.

Recruitment has been stepped up after last season's disappointing campaign with the arrival of a number of ambitious players from local clubs as well as some former Tigers academy players and Loughborough students.

South's first league game will be at home to Sheffield Tigers, who been level transferred from N3 North. They will provide a stern test.