Blues kick-off warm-up campaign

NEWBURY BLUES see their first action of the season on Saturday when they go to London Two South West champions Tottonians for their opening pre-season friendly on Saturday.

The Totton-based club scored more than 800 points in 22 matches when sealing promotion to London One South and will start a run of three games for Blues at the same level six in the rugby pyramid.

Wells and Gosport and Fareham are to follow at Monks Lane before the league kick-off at Trowbridge on September 5.

“It will be a mixed bag selection-wise, “ said head coach Lee Godoall, “to give the new players game time to bed in and some of last season’s second team the chance to put their hands up.”

Tadley Tigers are also in pre-season action when they entertain Bristol side Whitehall at Red Lane.