PRE-SEASON fitness training has begun at St Neots and the rugby union club is now hoping that the player shortages that blighted the Midlands Four East South side’s last season are behind them.

St Neots were unable to fulfil several fixtures last time out, with the chairman Nigel Samm saying it would be tough for second team players to step up to the first team, but an early plea for new faces should add to the numbers at the club for the coming season during which it is hoped there will be three teams competing.

Coach Mick Cleary said: “Training is and will be hard work as you would expect, but it will also be rewarding and fun, and rest assured we will always cater for all abilities.”

Samm added: “We are a friendly club that wants to be a large part of the local community and would encourage any new players to come and join us.”

The first team will open its new Midlands Four East South campaign on Saturday, September 8 with an away game against Bourne and there will be two derbies against St Ives to look forward to again.

St Ives will begin their season away at Thorney after August pre-season friendlies against Biggleswade, Huntingdon & District and Newmarket and a cup game at Ely on September 1.

St Neots will also play Newmarket during pre-season. Anyone interested in attending pre-season training (Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7.30pm and 9pm) at The Common in St Neots should contact club captian Glynn Osbourne on 07866 870999 or at glynn.osbourne@btinternet.com