CHIPPENHAM: RETURNING Chippenham captain Rupert Crockett has revealed his burning desire to compete in National League Three.

Crockett will lead the Allington Fields club for the fourth time in five seasons in 2006/7 and has set his sights on a top-three finish in the competitive South West One.

"Maybe top-three is a little optimistic, but we have to set ourselves challenging goals and work hard to achieve them," he said.

"It would be great if Chippenham were to become a National League side. But South West One is a very tough league and I'm expecting it to be even tougher this season."

An enterprising inside-centre, Crockett was named player-of-the-year at Chippenham last season.

His strong running from midfield makes Crockett a natural choice as leader, but the captain says help is never too far away.

"I'm very lucky because I've got a good team around me," he said.

"I'm only responsible for what happens on the field and not a lot else. Robbie Spears looks after all the off-field stuff.

"Robbie has been a tremendous help. His organisation allows me to concentrate solely on the rugby. Some clubs have a captain who does everything, but it's not like that at Chippenham. I'm very grateful for that."

Chippenham secured a comfortable midtable position in 2005/6, with 11 wins and 11 defeats from their 22 matches.

A host of new faces joined the squad for the first pre-season session on July 4, which involved fitness work and handling skills.

Tom Collins and James Gaiger have joined from neighbours Devizes along with two promising youngsters from the Bath Academy.

The squad has also been buoyed by news that Wales prop Chris Horseman has agreed to take five training sessions at the start of the season.

Horseman, who plays for Worcester Warriors in the Guinness Premiership, will work on line-out play and other technical areas.

Experienced forwards coach Steve Waldron will also link up with Chippenham this season.

"It will be great to have both Steve and Chris on board. Their experience will prove invaluable to the team," said Crockett.

"I hope this will be another good year for Chippenham," he said.