For CARDIGAN, this will be a testing season as they take on the likes of Dunvant, Aberavon Quins, Birchgrove and Waunarlwydd, all teams of great experience and know-how.

Coaches Derek Burton and Eifion Collins will be eager to repeat last-season's good start and avoid the disappointing conclusion.

The Teifisiders will again enjoy local derbies against Newcastle Emlyn with Barry John remaining as captain and hoping that his side can manage to steer clear of injury.

They start the campaign without the influential Aled Thomas, still recovering from a broken arm, and having lost Gavin Morris to Whitland, plus Gareth Davies and Andrew Phillips to Crymych. Dylan Rees is returning to college and Kevin Hurley is reportedly retiring after many years of yeoman service but Eurfyl Davies battles on in the front row alongside Aled Harries, Richard Smith and Barry Davies. If there is a more loyal and durable prop than Eurfyl Davies in west Wales then he must be some player because Davies continues to astound with his willingness to turn out despite having passed the 40-mark a little while ago.

Ex-youth skipper Colin Davies should be a regular in the back row alongside Mark Hughes, with other former youth players like Dean Lewis and Huw Davies also expected to do well behind the scrum.

A real boost is the arrival of Dyfed James from Newcastle Emlyn and Gareth Mason is also available, as is Eurig Lloyd and Alun Williams as points gatherers. Hon Sec Graham Rees continues in his key role and reports that training has been reasonably well attended - and is hopeful that the Cardis can enjoy a good season in this new section as they travel to Fishguard in the KO Cup and go even further afield to play Newport High School Old Boys in the Welsh Cup!