LEDBURY kick-off their new era tomorrow with new head coach Paul Rudland aiming for his side to be one of the title challengers in Midlands Four West (South).

The Ross Road side start their campaign with a trip to north Coventry to face Pinley (ko 3pm).

Rudland took over in the summer after Ledbury were relegated from Midlands Three West (South) last season, finishing rock-bottom on just two points and recording one win in 22 games.

He insists a title challenge is a realistic target for his new charges, with building team morale after last term high on his list of priorities.

He also hopes the club can field three squads for matches each week. Besides Rudland’s appointment, Steve Burgess has been named as the chairman of rugby and James Handley has returned to the club as assistant coach.

Ledbury’s first home league clash is seven days later on September 18 when they host Rugby Welsh.

Rudland said: “I think we have enough quality in the squad to have a shot at this league.

“I want us to be pushing for the top end of the table.

“Getting the team morale up after last season is still one of my priorities.

“We have a good mix with guys that have been at the club in the past returning for us.

“We’ve had a pretty successful pre-season, winning two out of three warm-up matches.

“We have also had a good turn-out for training. Success for us this season would be putting three teams out as well.

“I would have preferred a home game to start with but it gets one of our longest away trips out of the way first.”

Ledbury train at their Ross Road ground from 7.15pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and players of all abilities are invited to attend the sessions.