WITH the Chippenham Sunday League opening weekend looming, it looks set to be another competitive year following the withdrawal of Premier Division champions Bremhill View and Division Ones side The Dursley Arms from the league.

Much-fancied Melksham Town Sunday host newly-promoted Calne BFC on the opening day and will be expected to chalk up a victory at Oaklands in the Premier Division.

At Meadow Lane, Westbury Rangers welcome last season’s Division One winners Pheasant FC and it would be a shock if Pheasant, who convincing beat their hosts in both meetings last terms, didn’t make three wins on the spin against Shaun Gardiner’s side.

In Division One, FC St George and relegated White Horse could be fierce challengers to Semington, as they meet in the opening round of matches.

Semington have finished as runners-up in Division One previously, but will have to wait for a week before they can start their league campaign as they are in Sunday Cup action this weekend.

Near neighbours FC North Wiltshire and Corsham Oak lock horns at Leafy Lane, with the former looking the stronger of the two.

Following their Division Four crown, Box Rovers are firm favourites to claim a win over Forest AFC, while Castle Devizes and Faded are expected to also be strong in Division Two.

Division Three will see Calne United and Warminster Wanderers pitted against each other, with six new sides having joined the third tier.

Bromham are one of those sides and entertain fellow newcomers Buttercross, who boast a number of former Oakhill players Elsewhere, Biddestone tackle The Mallard, as Kingfisher and White Hart FC complete the line-up of league fixtures and although both are unknown qualities, Kingfisher are tipped for maximum points.