BROMSGROVE RFC coach Ross Baxter is hoping his side can come through a testing start in National Two North.

The Boars have been handed a difficult opening period with three of their first four matches away from their Finstall Park fortress.

They commence the season at Hull on Saturday, who finished third last season, before going to Luctonians a week later.

Bromsgrove kick-off their home fixtures against Caldy on Saturday, September 15 and then take on Otley away seven days later (all games 3pm ko).

Despite a tricky beginning to the campaign, Baxter is feeling upbeat about their opening fixtures.

He said: “Last season we had a lot of home games at the start of the campaign which obviously suited us, this time it’s the other way around but it’s just one of those things.

“I would prefer to play these sides early in the season when the ground is still firm than in the middle of winter.”

Bromsgrove head into their second campaign at this level aiming to build on their excellent performances and Baxter believes the squad is stronger than last season.

They have lost Nigel Burrows to Moseley and Joel Dudley to Jersey but the head coach believes he has a group of players capable of an assault on the top six.

He said: “The club has aways been very good at bringing younger players through and I think we have strength in depth in more areas of the pitch.

“We want to build on last season and there’s no doubt we can be pushing for a top six finish this year.”