BRACKNELL RFC hope they can put a disappointing pre-season behind them when they host Westcombe Park this Saturday in their National Three London & South East opener (3pm).

The Lily Hill men have struggled to hit top gear during their preparations for the new campaign in a new division.

They were thrashed 76-0 at neighbours Redingensians – a side they beat in the league last season – in a friendly and also went down 40-15 at home to Richmond.

And head coach Rory Greenslade-Jones knows his side must show a big improvement if they are to challenge for honours this season.

Greenslade-Jones has presided over several near promotion misses during his time in charge of first-team affairs.

Bracknell were challenging near the top of National Three South West again last season, but defeats to Exmouth, Weston-super-Mare and Hornets during the second half of the campaign scuppered their chances.

In the end, Bracknell had to settle for third place in a division which was won by Redingensians, and have now made the switch to National Three London & South East.

After hosting Westcome Park at Lily Hill Park this Saturday, Bracknell then travel to Shelford the following weekend.