DAVID Hogg is hoping that the North-South divide isn’t too great as Royal Wootton Bassett get their new season underway.

The Bassett skipper and his teammates will be plying their trade in Southern Counties South this term after making the switch from the North division, where they finished third last term.

But after a pre-season where they have had two-time Britain’s Strongest Man winner Laurence Shahlaei take a unique training session, Hogg is feeling confident ahead of Saturday’s trip to Marlborough.

“I’m feeling quite positive to be honest,” the skipper. “We have got a few new players come in, so we should do alright.

“I think it will be good for us being in a new league because it will give us new teams to face and we won’t be playing the same teams.

“We have to go in to every game with an open mind, and not have certain games where we think we can win based on previous seasons.”

Having finished last season 17 points adrift of champions High Wycombe, Alan Low’s side will be looking to challenge at in the higher echelons of their new league.

“Obviously, we are hoping to finish as high in the league as possible,” Hogg said.

“I am hoping to be up there in the mix come the end of the season.

“We came strong at the end of last season because we had a consistent number of people training and each Saturday. Consistency in the team was there and if we can bring that into this season then I think we can do well.

“I just take being captain in my stride. I will just do what I need to do, say what I need to say and then hopefully people will follow me.”

  • SWINDON will aim to follow up their opening weekend win against Windsor in South West One East when they host county rivals Trowbridge tomorrow