WARMINSTER are hoping a change of league brings a change of fortunes as head coach Emosi Naisaramaki prepares for his second season in charge.

The Folly Lane outfit take a step into the unknown after moving across from Dorset & Wilts One South to One North, the move requested due to the increased travelling involved in their previous division.

Naisaramaki’s first season in charge saw the team finish in ninth place, well below his early-season target of a top three finish.

A mid-season slump brought just two wins from the start of November through to the end of February, while the first team using 63 players last term disrupted continuity.

Warminster, who played one pre-season friendly - a 29-12 defeat to Frome - welcome 18 year old back row Alex Ross, from Wimborne, but openside flanker Josh Smith has moved to Mexico with work and scrum-half Jason Sprangle has joined the Navy.

Warminster host Melksham, who are expected to receive the keys to their newly developed home at Woolmore Farm in early November, on the opening day on Saturday, while Bradford on Avon, who have come down from Southern Counties South, take on Royal Wootton Bassett 2nd.

Corsham will look to improve on the accomplishments of last season’s second-placed finish following the appointment of a new coaching set-up at Lacock Road.

Having helped out with aspects of coaching last season, Tim Draper steps into the role of backs coach whilst Adam Jamieson, having recently retired at Cornish Pirates prematurely, is the new forwards coach and is now looking to develop as a coach at the club he played for since he was a junior.

Corsham have had a successful pre-season, winning silverware in the Bath Combination Sevens bowl, a convincing 47-0 win over Chipping Sodbury as well as putting in a great defensive effort against a physical Trowbridge side as they were beaten 26-14.

And the new coaching team hope to improve upon the strong performances of last season and be in a position to compete for the league title come the end of the season.

Corsham, captained for the second successive season by Will Chivers, have kept the bulk of last year’s squad with the odd exception as players head off to and return from university and go to Devizes 2nd for their opener on Saturday.

Draper, whose side go to Devizes 2nd for their opener on Saturday, said: “We’ve had an excellent pre-season with good numbers attending training and two good pre-season games.

“We are excited about the season ahead to develop on last year’s improvement and to continue bringing young players through alongside our more experienced guys.”

In Dorset & Wilts Two North, Westbury go to Combe Down 2nd.