KIDDERMINSTER Carolians will be looking to improve on their fifth-placed finish from last season when they commence their Midlands Two South West campaign on September 10.

The Carolians begin their build-up this Saturday when they take on Luctonians in a friendly fixture at Marlpool Lane.

Director of rugby Phil Knowles said: “We’ve made a late start this time because last season went on for so long following our involvement with the North Midlands Cup.

“It was always the plan to give the players a bit of an extra break as in addition to that, quite a large number of our players are involved in the farming community.”

Carolians must wait an extra week for their campaign to kick-off after receiving a bye in this season’s North Midlands Cup, but Knowles will be looking to fill the void with another friendly fixture before their season officially starts with a trip to Veseyans on September 10.

Knowles added: “We take on a number of new clubs this season including Walsall who have dropped into our division.

“But I expect Camp Hill, Old Salts and Stourbridge Lions to be strong.”