WINDERMERE Rugby Club head into the new season with high hopes of success both on and off the field.

'Mere will be hoping to pick up their first win of the Cumbria 1 league campaign when they host Furness on Saturday.

The fixture follows a 50-5 defeat to Egremont and a 33-22 loss to Cockermouth in the opening match.

The club is looking to reboot the junior’s team with training on a Thursday at 5:15pm for both boys and girls aged 11 and up.

The seniors now has a great mix of youth and experience having bolstered the squad with new players including Simeon Lee and Tadhg New looking to make their mark and help with Windermere’s target of a top four finish.

Jim Crawford is captaining the team for a second year, supported by Jamie Hardiman at vice-captain.

In the forwards, 15/16 player of the year John Sheasby will be looking to run the ball from all areas of the park and the back row strengthened with Joe Hallam returning from long-term injury.

The backs will see the Hodgson brothers link up at 10 and 12 with wing Tom Atkinson becoming an even more solid finisher after a summer of American Football. After years of service and dedication to the club head coach Graham Smith is looking to pass on the baton at the end of the 16/17 season and so the team will be hoping to make it a memorable one.

The clubhouse is also being made available to take on more local functions and with the competitive prices, location and facilities.

The team is always looking for more players as the club has ambitions of growth.

Training is every Thursday at 6.30pm.