Blues welcome Stags' numbers
RUGBY: More hands on deck as relegated Newbury prepare for the new season
NEWBURY BLUES finally have some numbers from which to select in the wake of the absorption of former Southern Counties side Newbury Stags.
"It means we have some choice now," said director of rugby Andy Widdop.
"We are aiming to put out three sides each week, and with the number we have, we should be able to do that.
"We just need a bit more strength in depth in key positions."
Widdop believes that there are Stags players capable of stepping up the grades to play in Division Three South West this season and has picked out Phil Simmons, Paul Jones and Alex Ashburner as three who could lead the way.
Blues have lost the most experienced of last season's players - Tom Fidler to Cambridge, Martin Freeman to Southend and Will Clarke to Redingensians amongst them - but the most promising young players remain and the return form Ireland of former England colt Paul Hawkins will add some much-needed know-how.
Blues' pre-season games start on August 20 with a double-header against Hampshire club Tottonians before Blues got to Havant on Thursday, August 25 prior to the kick-off at home to Weston Super Mare on September 3.