Weymouth & Portland get their new season underway as they host Bridport in Counties Two on Saturday.

The Seahorses finished Counties One in tenth place last season, meaning they were one of three teams to be relegated.

Despite falling dropping down a division, the club's first team coach Rich Bament is looking forward to competing in the new division. 

Speaking to Echosport, he said: "It looks like a good tough league this year, there are going to be less seconds in it.

"I am hoping the players can use the experience of playing in a higher division last season to get through the tough times we will face this year."

Pre-season has 'been good' according to the Seahorses coach, but he was a little frustrated that the team had been unable to have any warm up fixtures ahead of the season opener with Bridport.

Bament added: "Pre-season has been good and the guys have exerted themselves well. 

"We changed it up a bit this year and worked less with the ball and did a lot of fitness and conditioning.

"It is unfortunate we have had no games due to one reason or another and we have had a few retirees and a few players leave, but we will give it our best shot."

Centre Reece Makin is one of the players to have moved on to pastures new and has moved to Wimborne to play at a higher level, whilst club stalwart and tight head prop Ben Davis has retired.

However, Bament believes the players at the club are more than capable of stepping up and will give new players 'a chance'.

Two new additions are winger Tom Thompson and full back Joe Roberts who have moved into the area for work. 

Despite some changes to the starting XV, Bament remains 'confident' his side can come out on top in the season opener at Monmouth Avenue.

He said: "I am looking forward to it but there is a bit of trepidation with new players in some key positions we will have to take it as it comes. 

"Bridport are always a tough nut to crack and it is a local derby.

"Their number 10 Charlie Samways is very good and will be one for us to watch out for but I am confident."