WINNINGTON Park begin the season on Saturday full of optimism. They were fourth last season in North Two West and promotion is a distinct possibility following the return of giant forward Paul Rees to Burrows Hill.
But Northwich have lost their star turn of last season and another player besides to bigger Cheshire clubs.
They are more uncertain of their prospects in the South Lancs and Cheshire First Division, but their biggest bonus of the pre-season has been the switch of scrum-half Mike Gallimore back to Northwich from neighbours Winnington.
Park open the season at home to promoted Caldy and Rees, who played in Winnington's biggest ever game against Wasps and then went on to the semi-professional game with Orrell, Wakefield and Rotherham, is a huge signing in both senses of the word.
Senior player Mike Bebbington said: 'It is good to have Paul back. He brings with him a vast amount of experience and he will help give us a platform to play off.
'Phil Sturt, a prop at Nottingham University whose family has moved to the area, is our other newcomer and is looking promising in training, but we have Mike Breen who played on the wing for England Colts in the squad and some of our Cheshire Colts players coming through.
'We were fourth last season and I think we should be in for a good season, at least as good a finish. With a bit more commitment I think we can win promotion.'
Winnington have also lost winger Phil Beswick, who has moved to London because of work commitments.
A minute's silence will be held before kick-off on Saturday in memory of stalwarts and friends Brian Patterson, killed in a road accident in Kenya last week, and Bob Norcross, who died a few days earlier from a sudden illness.
Northwich begin at home to Wigan, with Gallimore but without Steve Campbell.
'He was our linchpin last season, top try scorer, the lot, and we will miss him, but he wanted a shot at higher-standard rugby and we wish him well,' said chairman of rugby Sam Naylor.
Campbell is joining National Three North outfit Macclesfield, while winger Andy Allen has moved to Chester at the same level.
A third blow for Northwich was the serious injuries received by promising Winsford-based colt Gavin Venter in a road accident. While he was hoping to burst on to the senior scene last year - and may have to give up the game altogether - that route is very much open to young England flanker Chris Dale. North-wich also expect to recruit a prop before the season starts.
Naylor added: 'It all means we will be strong up front and will more than likely play a 10-man forwards game. But we are desperate for three-quarters, so if there are any out there...'
Anyone interested in joining the club can contact Naylor on 01606 871547.
