Puddletown mark their return to Counties Two with an opening fixture against Oakmeadians on Saturday (September 7).

They face off against the Bournemouth-based side on the opening day for the fourth time in succession when Oaks make the trip to Greenfields.

Following their promotion from Counties Three last season, and a strong pre-season, hopes are high at the Piddle Valley-based club ahead of this season.

Jacob Holt has taken over the coaching reins and experienced Tom Yeatman takes over as 1st XV captain, reprising the role he last held in 2014.

Following a double over the opponents 2nd XV last season, Puddle will look to make a statement in their first fixture back at this level.

Over the summer Puddletown have strengthened their backline with fly-half Bertie Hebburn-Heath making the switch from Blandford and back three player Hugo Wallington joining up with the squad after a couple years out of the sport.

Along with those joining, Sam Pomeroy and Lucas Frizzle, who have both have been first team regulars for the past decade, have moved on to North Dorset.

Oakmeadians, who finished third in Counties Two last season, will be no pushovers when they make the journey west.

The Bournemouth based side have won five out of the last six fixtures between the two clubs, Puddletown’s last victory coming on the opening day in 2021 at Meyrick Park.

Having finished in the top three in the last two seasons, Oaks will no doubt be looking to push those at the top end of the table come April.

Speaking ahead of his first competitive game in charge of the ship, Holt has had his say on pre season and the goals for the season ahead.

He said: “We took 14 boys up to Somerton and testament to the core group of regular trainers, we showed some promising signs.

"We then went to Bridport 10s and I like to think we reminded a few people why we deserve to be back in Counties 2.

“We’ve got our in-house goals and no doubt the attrition of a long campaign will slightly warp those.

"That said, the big thing for us is our connection as friends and team mates. We’re a young squad with an average age of 24, enjoyment and camaraderie are the key metrics for success and if we take a few scalps on the way, we can pat ourselves on the back”

The bar at Greenfields will be open from 2pm with kick off against Oakmeadians at 3pm..