DESPITE Saturday's defeat in Coventry, new skipper Adam Nicholls is confident Cinderford will surprise a few of the big boys in National One this season.

"We expected to win in Coventry and certainly had a good amount of possession and territory," he said.

"We played some very good rugby, although we were over-eager at times.

"It's promising, but we're disappointed not to have won."

There are some big clubs with proud histories in National One this year, such as Birmingham & Solihull, Coventry, Barking, Fylde and Rosslyn Park.

Throw into the mix ambitious outfits like Ealing Trailfinders and Jersey with money to spend, and you have a powerful division.

Nicholls said: "Every week you look down the results and there's at least one shock.

"We know how tough it is, but our fate is in our own hands. We will respect the new sides in this league but they should respect us too. We've been here a few seasons and know what this division is all about.

"I'm in my fourth season here and the club has come on in leaps and bounds. The coaching staff do things very professionally and we're well run off the pitch."

This Saturday, Cinderford take on Bill Beaumont's former club Fylde in their first home game of the year (3pm).

Fylde now boast former England coach Brian Ashton as their coaching consultant – as well as a couple of young Beaumonts in their first XV squad.

The northerners put down a marker last week by beating Jersey 29-27.

Nicholls said: "We'll target our home games so Fylde could be in for a shock.

"It's a massive opportunity for us to show our supporters what we're all about."