There's no doubt we have lost experience in Iain Dixon [Wharfedale], Iain Robinson [Westoe] and Paul Vinnicombe [Blaydon] and a mercurial talent in Aaron Myers who is said to be joining Westoe. All have left to play rugby at a higher level although you might have expected Myers' move to have been higher up the national leagues. Despite that he could well end up this season with getting a  run out for Falcons in the Premiership.

The good news is that there is a host of talent coming up through the ranks, who will now find it easier to get their chance, as well as the return of Andrew Davies, Paul Rudd, Dave Garside and Henry Tones. Later this month prop Adam Howard will further bolster the fight for places when he returns from playing in Australia and so will Matt Holmes when he is fit.

Tom Wilson is the latest Colt to shine, both at full back and  fly half, while Scott Jordan is itching to further prove himself in senior rugby. Sadly, he'll have to wait until at least Christmas because of his commitments with Durham School.

Add to that the names of Cook, Woods, Coates, Greenwell, Butcher, Waites, Larkin, Pearce and Southern among others and the coaches will have some interesting selection problems this season.  

Birkenhead Park have had similar comings and goings. They have  strengthened the squad with the return of veteran prop Martin O’Keefe,  after playing for  Leeds, Wakefield and Pertemps Bees. Flanker Dan Palmer and hooker Chris Tyms have returned from Fylde while scrum-half Alan Hesketh and winger Greg Hughes have moved back from New Brighton.   However, they will be missing skipper Christian Jones who is injured.

Park were  one of the stronger sides last season and have said they're going for promotion this time around in what appears to be a very tough division. They've had one competitive game so far winning 10-12 art Altrincham Kersal in the Cheshire Cup.