DESPITE the departures of flankers David Cook and Craig Trump to Clifton and Cleve respectively, there will be plenty of competition for places in Weston's back row for the coming season.

DESPITE the departures of flankers David Cook and Craig Trump to Clifton and Cleve respectively, there will be plenty of competition for places in Weston's back row for the coming season.

In addition to the present incumbents, George Wright, Ed Smith and Daniel Fry, coach Dave Healey will face some tricky decisions. Back and knee surgery, respectively, had kept former skipper Andrew Glen and Gavin Simpson on the sidelines for two seasons, but both these experienced players return to action.

Also resuming is George Sparks following a year playing in Portugal, and in addition, Colts' skipper Edward Saunders graduates to senior rugby.

The second row will be strengthened by the return of Andrew Richards following a season's lay-off and newcomers so far are scrum-half Neill Trevenna and fly-half Steve Lang.

Trevenna, who has transferred from Tor, played in the Somerset Saxons team last season and will be a welcome replacement for Ross Bennett who has also gone to Cleve.

Welshman Lang (26) was with Ebbw Vale in 2006 and Llanelli in 2007, is also a goal-kicker and will help to solve Weston's mid-field problems of last term.

Healy, and his assistant Paul Redman, will also be expecting Colts' players Steve Thompson (wing), Tom Walker (lock) and prop Daniel Elliott to step up to the plate.

The Seasiders start their pre-season on Saturday when Brixham are visitors to the Rec (2.30pm). The following week they travel to Wadebridge Camels and on August 29 they entertain Bristol Saracens.