BRADFORD on Avon head coach Dave George is bracing himself for another tough challenge as his side embark on a second season in Southern Counties South.

The Ashley Road men avoided the drop in their first campaign back at Southern Counties level but despite setting his sights a little higher this time around, George admits the division is arguably even stronger.

Devizes have dropped down from South West level, while the arrival of Royal Wootton Bassett, Marlborough and Dorset Dockers - Bradford’s opening-day visitors tomorrow - adds more spice.

“I’m hoping for a couple of positions higher this season but, that said, I think it’s a stronger league this year,’’ said George.

“Devizes, Bassett, Dorchester, Marlborough - they’re all strong and we don’t know a lot about many of them.’’ Former England skipper Lewis Moody remains as the club’s director of rugby and Bradford, skippered by Oli Stacey, can also call upon the expertise of former Bath, Leicester and England centre Dan Hipkiss as backs guru.

There’s a day one derby in Dorset & Wilts One North as Melksham head to Corsham. Warminster go to Oakmeadians in One South, while Westbury, in Two North, go to Avonvale.