NOBODY at Royal Wootton Bassett is underestimating the scale of the challenge awaiting them as they begin life in South West One East this weekend.

The last time Bassett were at this level was in the 2009/10 season when they capitalised on Mounts Bay folding, having finished runners-up in Southern Counties South.

They finished bottom of the table that campaign having failed to pick up a single point and after making the switch to Southern Counties South again last season, have now earned their place in the upper tier on merit, going up as league champions.

Head coach Alan Low now believes the foundations are there to make a good go at being competitive this term and says the players are looking forward to the challenge.

“It is one of the bigger steps you take along the way,” said Low.

“We are now in the realms where some of the sides are operating on a semi-professional basis.

“It is going to be a big challenge for a community club like ourselves but certainly one I know the players are keen to go for.

“The club wants to establish itself at this level. We have got the foundation and the facility to support South West rugby, or even National Three rugby.

“We feel we are in a strong position to go up and maintain a place in that league come the end of the season.”

Bassett open their campaign against Maidenhead at Ballards Ash and while pre-season hasn’t gone quite to plan, Low is hoping that his side are up to speed.

“There has been three phases to pre-season,” added Low, whose side will be sponsored by Bassett-based company Imagine Cruising for the next three years.

“The first couple went really well but we may be going into this weekend a little bit under-cooked.

“We had a game cancelled on us last Wednesday, which has left us a bit short in our preparations.

“We had a good run-out the other week against Cirencester, which went a lot better than could be expected and it was like the boys hadn’t been away.

“We feel the depth in the squad is in a better place and we have just been trying to get some of the new faces up to speed.

“The boys just want to get down and have a really positive start to the year and get some really good performances under our belt in the first few months.”

Meanwhile, new Swindon skipper Mike Thompson hopes to get his reign off to a positive start when they entertain Grove.

The flanker has replaced Adam Westall as captain for the 2016/17 season and wants to lay down an early marker at Greenbridge Road.

“I have been in the first team since I was 17 and I am 25 now,” said Thompson.

“It’s not something I would say I was pushing for but it’s something I always thought I’d want to do if the opportunity came along.

“Adam has been an unbelievable captain for us. He has played a decent level before and he brings that experience with him. I will definitely still be looking to him for advice on the pitch.

“We call it the Bridge and it’s always been a bit of a fortress for us. We’ve always had quite good results here and teams find it tough to come down and get one over us so we want that to continue.

“Grove are always a threat and they will come here and be really physical. It’s a good one to start with as we know we will have to be on it straight away.”