CHIPPENHAM skipper Lee Ward says it is important his troops adapt to their new environment quickly as they look to bounce back from last season’s relegation.

Ward and co are set to host Corsham 2nd - promoted from the Wiltshire League last season - at the weekend, as the WEPL Wiltshire season gets underway.

Last term, Chippenham claimed just five victories as they fell out of Prem Two Glos/Wilts and Ward has warned his side they need to break the cycle with a good start to this season.

“The rain over the winter has hampered everyone. We had three pre-season games called off,” he said.

“However, we probably had one of the best pre-season that we have ever had in terms of the amount of weeks we have done.

“We have had record numbers turning up to training and I think the club is in a good place. We have dealt with the weather.

“Last season we didn’t play anywhere near where are capabilities were and now as a club we feel like we are stronger this year.

“I think a quick start is important because we had the season that we had last year, which was very disappointing.

“Now we want to get out there and start playing. We want to start replicating that positive feeling from training into results out on the pitch.

“We are looking to have a good start. We are nearly at full strength for Saturday and we’re close to where we want to be.”

Elsewhere in the division, Marlborough welcome Devizes to the Savernake Forest Ground, while Royal Wootton Bassett will hope to get off to a winning start away to Marshfield and Calne go to Purton.