SUPERMARINE head coach Nick Moulden says his side are ready to "unleash their talent'' in their opening Dorset & Wilts One North fixture of the season at home against Combe Down.

Moulden, who was promoted as head coach in the summer, hopes Marine's summer of preparations have left them in a good place to improve on last year's showing when they finished third from bottom of the table.

Down led the division for much of last season before losing out on top spot to Bradford on Avon but Moulden said: “We’ve done a lot of game management, planning, and tactical work in pre-season - amongst all the fitness training.

“Hopefully what the lads been through in training will allow them to unleash their talent on opposition teams this season.''

He added: “If we can finish mid-table comfortably and avoid flirting with the relegation places then I think it’ll have been a successful season for us.”

Moulden has made five new additions to his team, and admitted: “It’s the first time since I’ve been here that we’ve had a summer of recruiting more players than we’ve lost.

“We have a stable first team now and plenty of capable players that can challenge for a starting spot - which will only help us in getting positive results.”

The Bath side provide a big first test for the South Marston men, but Moulden added: “I think if you finish above them (Combe Down) come the end of the season, then you’ve done well.

“We set out to win every game. They’ve not played a competitive game this year, so hopefully we can get a result before they start to gel as a team and pick up some good form.

“We want to be more expansive and open our game up, it could take a while to bed in with the boys – especially the new signings – but we must play a confident game of rugby.

“Our pitch is wide, so it could actually be a disadvantage for us (playing at home) – maybe Combe Down will enjoy the space and play the expansive rugby we know they can play.

“We’re going to have to really work hard for the win, but the team’s fitness is second to none and I believe we will get the job done on Saturday.”