Sol y Futbol: First league win of the season for Lanzarote

Thankfully and at last, back by popular demand and also because we have no one else, the one, the only Mr Ian Lane. Too much - you're probably right. Ian is back for our 3rd season with UD Lanzarote. We will be getting his match reports and the odd observation regarding the club throughout the season. This weekend saw Ian in the cold of Arrecife (just touching 90), to bring us his first report of the season and Lanzarote's first league win.

LANZAROTE 2 U.D. TIJARAFE 1

The Rojillos clinched their first league win of the season on their third attempt of trying. Two cracking goals before half time but then they allowed the La Palma side a lifeline early in the second half and had to endure the final 25 minutes with just 10 men, nevertheless the Conejeros (locals) deservedly claimed all three points.

The game couldn’t have begun any better for the Rojillos. Seconds before the first minute had passed Gustavo García teed up Ayoze Pérez from a short free kick and the midfielder let rip with a powerful dipping beauty from 25 yards to score Lanzarote´s first home goal of the campaign.

A minute later and the Rojillos should have been celebrating their second. Captain Jonathan Torres broke free of his marker at the back post but unfortunately his accuracy wasn’t as good as his awareness as his shot failed to hit the target.

Lanzarote were in control of the game with the visitor’s only effort in the half coming in the 18th minute from a free kick by Striker Borja which was neatly palmed away for a corner by keeper Santi Lampón.

Lanzarote´s second goal came in the 39th minute. Jonathan Torres laid the ball back to Gustavo García. The well travelled local boy saw the keeper just off his line and wonderfully chipped him from 20 yards to give his side a 2-0 advantage to go into the half time break.

The only concern for the new manager Fabián Rivero during the half time cuppa was that his side had not killed off the match with a third goal such was the dominance.

Only three minutes into the second half and the La Palma side were back in the game. Following a corner, the Rojillos failed to clear the ball and defender Iván Rodríguez pounced on the hesitance in defence to blast the ball home from close range to make the score 2-1.

The home side still made all the running but mid way through the second half left back Javi Morales picked up his second yellow card and the Rojillos were forced to end the match with 10 players. It was only in the dying minutes that Tijarafe threatened as Lanzarote deservedly held on to a victory which keeps them unbeaten in all league and cup matches this season.

Next Sunday Lanzarote travel to Tenerife to face the league leaders and the only side in the league with a 100% record this season Atlético Granadilla.

Before that, the Rojillos face another hugely important match in the Copa Del Rey second round. This Wednesday Lanzarote travel to the North of Spain to fight for the right to be in the draw when the Primera Liga clubs get involved. They will be massive underdogs against Segunda B (league 1) side S.D. Eibar but never write the Rojillos off in these cup matches as their history in the cup proves. Eibar have spent 17 of the last 20 seasons in Spain´s Segunda A (Championship) and were Champions of their Division last season but still failed in the Play off final to a return to the Division where they really belong. Ironically it was Lanzarote´s former and most famous manager Jose Luis Mendilibar who took Eibar to within inches of the Primera Liga a few seasons ago.

March to the Arch 3: Hertford and Ramblers to meet again on Tuesday.

As you know our March to the Arch feature has entered it’s 3rd year. After Hertford's win in the previous round, against Barkingside, they drew Burnham Ramblers in the preliminary round. Directly from Hertford's website, here is the weekend match report.

Burnham Ramblers 3 Hertford Town 3

Match Report by Dan Sinclair

About 40 people, players included, crammed onto a Galleon Travel ‘Luxury Liner’ bound for sunny Burnham-on-Crouch. Excitement in the air, like the crackle of static when you take off a furry top.

We were greeted with a luscious clubhouse
that backed onto freshly ploughed fields, the smell of the wild and a pinch of sea filled the air.

Hertford, positive after their excellent win against local rivals Broxbourne took to the field with panache. Two changes in the side from Tuesday night, Alex Crowhurst & Micky Nathan coming in for Michael Casey & Jamie Packer respectively.
Leslie Field was bathed in sunlight for kick off, it took a little while for Hertford to adjust, maybe it was the red kit that took a little getting used to.

After 5 minutes Tom Wade had a chance with a soft overhead kick, which bounced in front of the keeper but let’s be fair it was never going to beat him.

It was weirdly quiet around the ground, maybe we expected more noise from the home support but it never came, so the loyal away posse filled in with a cacophony of horns and songs.

There were a few cheers when Burnham managed to break through our defence, one on one with Robbo but he was equal to it and batted it away like he was playing cricket.
The Blues (in Red) pressed Burnham, Chet Johnson had a mazy dribble into the box, the ball popped up into the air, which Chet tried to head across but the keeper calmly plucked it out of the air.

It was 19 minutes in when The Blues took the lead. A free kick, which Burnham cleared to the one and only MICHAEL COOPER who smashed it in from outside the area. The players say he ‘shinned it’ but we don’t care, one nil up and it seems like plain sailing at the yacht club.

Gwrys Yn Kernow: Pirates draw, in an exciting game at Moseley

Our thanks to Phil Westren for the match report and to the Cornish Pirates for allowing us to post it on Sports Pulse. We will be following the team throughout the season, posting all match reports and the occasional preview and interview. We have named this feature Gwrys Yn Kernow, I believe (and hope) means Made in Cornwall.

Next week Men in Black returns, when we follow Harpenden RFC during their season and also World in Union, our weekly round up of Aviva Premiership. Sports Pulse rugby coverage doesn't end there, on Tuesday we will post our Rugby World Cup preview. In the future we also we have our 2nd season in Super Rugby to look forward too with Melbourne Rebels. Over to you Phil:

Moseley 27 Cornish Pirates 27

RFU Championship Round 1

Billesley Common

Saturday 3rd September

Phil Westren's Match Report

Twelve months previously, less a week, the Cornish Pirates travelled to Moseley for their first away game in Stage 1 of last season's RFU Championship competition. Hoping for a win then, they had to settle for a draw, and history repeated itself again in this match when a converted late try from the home side tied the scores once more.

For what always promised to be an interesting encounter against a 'Mose' side now coached by former Ireland centre Kevin Maggs, the Pirates had selected a strong looking line-up which included three new boys in wing David Doherty, fly-half Ceiron Thomas and flanker Dave Ewers, who were all making their Championship debuts for the club. Three other new faces in prop Lloyd Fairbrother, scrum-half Tom Kessell and centre Tom Cooper were named on the bench.

On a breezy but dry afternoon it was the Cornish Pirates who immediately looked fired up and suitably lively after Ceiron Thomas did the honours to kick the game off.

Immediate early pressure was not converted into points until full-back Rob Cook successfully slotted a penalty goal as the quarter of an hour mark approached.
This score was soon followed by another for the visitors as they took advantage of a Moseley error to counter attack through impressive centre Drew Locke who released David Doherty on about halfway.

The speedster had shown a perfect example of his finishing ability in the pre-season friendly at Worcester a week earlier, and he repeated it in similar fashion to score a try converted by Cook.

Moseley now responded and after playing for a spell with a level of parity they conjured a score of their own. Securing possession in their own half the ball found the hands of inspirational skipper Andy Reay who released No. 8 Mike Ellery into space, when he too showed impressive pace to score an unconverted try.

Spurred back to action the Pirates proceeded to take back control of the game, their pack forcing Moseley back deep into their half. It looked a 'cert' that applied pressure would tell, and it did, when lock Ian Nimmo duly registered a try.

Cook converted as he did his own try scored just past the half-hour mark, following good work by Locke, again, and also flanker Phil Burgess.

Leading 24-5 was as much as the Pirates could have wished for, with a bonus point providing fourth try surely in their sights if they could maintain their general dominance.

Moseley were down, but they were not, however, out, and when the Pirates defence was breached a try scored just before the break by lock Paul Spivey, converted by fly-half Brad Davies, lifted the spirits of the men in black and red.

If the home side scored first in the second half then the initiative could swing further their way, and it was indeed a little worrying when just in the fourth minute wing Brad Hunt crossed for an unconverted try that brought the hosts to within just seven points of the Pirates score.

A penalty from Cook temporarily eased the pressure, only for Davies to apply it again with an excellent long range effort .

When Cook was yellow carded by referee Mr. Terry Hall the Pirates were unsettled once more, with matters not getting any better when Locke was unfortunately injured and taken off to hospital for precautionary measures to be checked out.

As the second half ebbed away Moseley mounted their final onslaught and to the eyes of many got a likely just reward when awarded a penalty try. Converted by former 'Pirate' Ollie Thomas, the try had also earned them a bonus point, and the contest at Billesley Common in September ended in a draw for the second year running.
At the final whistle Moseley celebrated as if they were winners, whilst the faces of the Pirates mirrored disappointment. They had hoped for better, but on this occasion it was not to be.

Commenting at the end of the game, Cornish Pirates high performance manager Chris Stirling said: "We expected it to be tough and Moseley pushed us in all directions. Parts of our play were satisfactory from a coaching perspective, but others were not, especially our game management and decision making.

"Playing with a bit of width we did stretch the opposition at times, but overall we need to be better and have things to work on."

He added: "It's a long season and if we were at our best now then we would be unable to maintain it. We can play a lot better, but credit to Moseley who are a good team, especially on their home ground."

Moseley:

A. Carter, W. Robinson (O. Thomas 66), J. Adams (G. King 41), A. Reay (capt), B. Hunt, B. Davies, S. Brown (R. Glynn 66), M. Ellery, B. Pons, M. Maltman (N. Masobn 61), P. Spivey, D. Sanderson, A. O'Donnell (C. Quigley 62), A. Caves, C. Voisey (M. Gadd 26).

Replacement (not used): R. Protherough.

Cornish Pirates:
R. Cook, D. Doherty, G. Pointer D. Locke (T. Cooper 61), W. Davies, C. Thomas, G. Cattle (capt), K. Marriott, P. Burgess (B. Cowan 62), D. Ewers, M. Myerscough (blood - L. McGlone 58-65), I. Nimmo (L. McGlone 70), A. Paver, R. Elloway (D. Ward 65), R. Storer (P. Andrew 65).

Replacements (not used): L. Fairbrother, T. Kessell.

Yellow card: Cook

Scorers
Moseley
Tries: Ellery, Spivey, Hunt, Pen
Cons: Davies, Thomas
Pens: Davies

Cornish Pirates
Tries: Doherty, Nimmo, Cook
Cons: Cook 3
Pens Cook 2

Referee: Terry Hall (RFU)

Attendance : 806

Baseball: Captains Use the Wash to Snap Skid

LeVon Washington's two out single to leftfield in the seventh inning scored Brian Heere lifting Lake County to a 4-3 win over Bowling Green. The win washes away a five game losing streak at Classic Park.

Ronny Rodriguez led the second inning off with a double and Alex Monsalve double down the line in right to give the Captains a 1-0 lead. Chase Burnette doubled with two outs, scoring Alex for a 2-0 lead.

The Hot Rods Luke Bailey and Kevin Kiermaier walked and Robby Price singled to load the bases. Bailey scored from third a on double play ball hit by Derek Dietrich and Steve Tinoco singled to score Kiermaier to tie the game up at two.

Derek Dietrich led the sixth inning off with a solo homerun his 22nd of the season putting Bowling Green in front 3-2.

Carlos Moncrief crushed his 16th homerun of the season with one out in the seventh, a solo shot tying the game up at three.

Joey Mahalic (1-5) worked two innings, no runs; one hit and a walk for his first win of the season. Mahalic closed the season with ten consecutive scoreless innings. Clayton Ehlert picked up his 15th save of the season pitching the ninth. Eliazer Suero (8-6) allowed all four runs on six hits over six innings of work, walking two and striking out four. Felix Sterling picked up a no-decision working six innings allowing three runs on three hits, walking four and striking out four.

Lake County and Bowling Green continue the final home stand of the season on Sunday afternoon at Classic Park at 1:00PM. The Captains will start RHP Joe Colon (0-0) against LHP Enny Romero (5-5) for the Hot Rods. Catch all the action on AM 970 WFUN or online at captainsbaseball.com.

Speedway: Rye House put a rocket up the Diamonds

Rye House Rockets v Newcastle Diamonds Mon 29 Aug 2011 Hoddesdon Premier League

by Lawrence Heppell

Following Sunday's good win over the Sheffield Tigers, the Newcastle Diamonds started where they had left off yesterday afternoon by taking a solid 1-5 maximum in Heat One at the Rye House Rockets in a "frustratingly officiated" Premier League encounter.
Jason Lyons, Newcastle's favourite guest, again in for Mark Lemon took an awarded win when Rocket Jordan Frampton made an ill-advised under swoop of the Aussie sending the veteran firmly under the fourth bend fence, with the referee excluding Frampton and giving the three points to Lyons.

Joe Haines was a little too keen in Heat Three, breaking the tapes and was replaced by Richie Worrall, but with the Diamond reserve already on a referee warning for moving at the start of Heat Two, moved again before the tapes went up and was duly excluded by the strict official leaving Newcastle with one man, Derek Sneddon who took second in the Rye House 4-2.

Claes Nedermark and Worrall made Tyson Nelson and Steve Boxall look half asleep at the gate in Heat Four, leaving the home pair in a cloud of dust as the Diamonds took another maximum to lead well 9-15, before Chris Neath and James Brundle took a home 4-2 with Lyons sneaking second.

With the referee warning riders from both teams to sit still, the edgy meeting continued with a perfect start from Lyons and Haines in Heat Seven to again leave the Rockets looking like damp squibs in a race the home pair never put in any challenge at all with the Diamonds taking another easy 1-5 and extending their lead to 17-25.

The very zealous referee called Heat Nine back with the exclusion being handed to Nedermark for moving at the tapes, an offence he'd previously been warned for, with Worrall coming in to replace him in the re-run with Neath well out in front, Hawkins forced is way round both Newcastle reserves off bend four of the opening lap to set in stone a solid home maximum which levelled the match 27-27.

Newcastle's heat 10 challenge ended on the second lap when Nedermark lost control and spiralled to the back in yet another home 5-1 which put the Rockets ahead for the first time 32-28 with only five races left to go.

There was major controversy in Heat 11 with Brundle falling on lap one, and with Lyons out in front of Sneddon, Boxall came storming up the inside of the Newcastle skipper who subsequently fell as a result of the challenge, but the referee amazed the crowd and excluded the Newcastle man for being the cause of the stoppage - awarding the result a 3-2 to Rye House instead of the expected Newcastle 0-5, with the Rockets now 34-31 ahead.

Haines and Newman conceded another 5-1 to the Rockets pair of Nelson and Hawkins in Heat 12 as the Diamonds' grip on victory seemed to be getting progressively weakened and Heat 13 didn't help with Boxall way out in front, Frampton was getting hammered from behind from all directions by Lyons, but it was a sneaky blast of power from Nedermark who swooped from last to first on the final bend to nick second place.

Neath and Nelson killed off the match in Heat 14 by sweeping Haines and Worralls early challenge well away to take a home victory.

Newcastle Speedway's co-director Andrew Dalby commented afterwards: "This was an match dominated by frustrating refereeing decisions. No more frustrating that Derek Sneddon's unexpected exclusion in Heat 11 when everyone in the stadium - including the entire Rye House team - had resigned themselves to a disqualification for Steve Boxall who everyone believed was the cause of Derek's fall… but the referee saw it differently, and that decision caught us all unawares leaving us on the Newcastle side of the pits decidedly unimpressed and extremely frustrated. Beyond that all the Diamonds pulled their weight and scored some good points in a match were we certainly deserved to end up much closer to Rye House than we ended up doing."

The return of the Rugby Season: Preview of the Pirates

The World Cup is just over a week away, and we will post our preview on Wednesday.

Much more important, with the National Leagues already started, the Aviva Premiership and the Championship return this weekend.

We will update you on each round of the Aviva Premiership, in our World in Union fixture. We will also be keeping tabs on the the Championship. For the 2011/2012 season we will be following Cornish Pirates, bringing you match reports and previews courtesy of the club.

We will also continue with our Men in Black series, following Harpenden RFC in the London & South East, North West 2 League.

For now here is a preview and team news for Cornish Pirates match against Mosely.

Moseley v Cornish Pirates

RFU Championship Round 1
Billesley Common
Saturday 3rd September
Kick Off 3pm

Phil Westren's Preview

The Cornish Pirates, likewise their hosts at Moseley, will be keen to get off to a good start in their opening fixture in this season's RFU Championship.

Saturday's contest promises to be an interesting encounter at a ground where the two teams drew 26-all in the corresponding fixture last September.

Changes at Moseley have seen former Ireland centre Kevin Maggs take over the head coach role following Ian Smith's departure, and with several new personnel in place it is envisaged that there be a new philosophy on how to play the game.

In pre-season friendlies, despite having lost to Welsh sides Aberavon and Bedwas, 'Mose' will likely have benefited from the experience and will be upping their challenge to take the honours this weekend.

As for the Pirates, who made a step forward from their disappointing performance against Exeter Chiefs to then take the scalp of a Worcester Warriors side last Saturday, they have selected a strong looking like line-up which includes three new boys in wing David Doherty, fly-half Ceiron Thomas and flanker Dave Ewers, who will be making their Championship debuts for the club.

Three other new faces in prop Lloyd Fairbrother, scrum-half Tom Kessell and centre Tom Cooper are named on the bench.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's important Championship opener, Cornish Pirates high performance manager Chris Stirling commented:

"We expect a huge challenge from Moseley who in the recent past have played a style of rugby that is fully committed and hard to break down.

"No side, however, will be the complete package at this early stage, and from our perspective in striving to win we'll simply want to test structures put in place and look for further development with the aim becoming more polished as the season progresses."

"All backs are available for selection but for Jonny Bentley, whilst in the forwards Ben Maidment, Chris Morgan and Rudi Brits are not far away from full fitness."

Moseley
01. Craig Voisey, 02. Adam Caves, 03. Anton O'Donnell, 04. Dan Sanderson
05. Paul Spivey, 06. Mike Maltman, 07. Ben Pons, 08. Mike Ellery, 09. Sam Brown, 10. Brad Davies, 11. Brad Hunt, 12. Andy Reay (captain), 13. Jack Adams, 14. Billy Robinson, 15. Anthony Carter,

Replacements:
16. Colin Quigley (FR) 17. Richard Protherough (FR). 18. Marshall Gadd (FR)
19. Neil Mason, 20. Ryan Glynn, 21. Greg King, 22. Ollie Thomas

Cornish Pirates:
R. Cook, D. Doherty, G. Pointer, D. Locke, W. Davies
C. Thomas, G. Cattle (capt), K. Marriott, P. Burgess, D. Ewers
M. Myerscough, I. Nimmo, A. Paver, R. Elloway, R. Storer.

Replacements:
P. Andrew, D. Ward, L. Fairbrother, L. McGlone, B. Cowan
T. Kessell, T. Cooper.

Aviva Premiership 2011/2012 team by team preview.

Thank you to our friends at Planet Rugby, here is a preview of the 2011/2012 season and predictions. Compiled by Adam Kyriacou

Saturday sees the return of Aviva Premiership rugby and under the shadow of the World Cup, teams will be stretched during the early-term.

Reigning champions Saracens will be in no mood to take a backward step during 2011/12following their taking of the crown off Leicester. However, the Tigers do not take kindly to being poked and we expect them to be right back in the play-off mix. Phew that seems a long way off.

Others likely to be in the shake-up are Gloucester, who returned to something like the form they are known for late last season, and Northampton.

New-boys Worcester may struggle but ultimately survive with that trapdoor taking Newcastle, who let's face it, have flirted with the drop for too long.

Get the best odds on Rugby Union with Oddschecker.com

SARACENS

Now have the squad and ethos to back up their triumph of last season. What might help them during the early stages is their surprising lack of absentees due to the RWC so we expect them to be challenging again. Their big dilemma is whether to play Owen Farrell or Charlie Hodgson at fly-half. Nice dilemma to have for Director of Rugby Mark McCall.

Sky Bet odds: 3/1

Last season: 2nd (champions)

Prediction: 1st

In: Mako Vunipola (Bristol), John Smit (Sharks), Charlie Hodgson (Sale Sharks), Joe Maddock (Benetton Treviso), Marcus Watson (London Irish), Nemia Kenatale (Tailevu).

Out: Ethienne Reynecke (Connacht), Richard Skuse (Retired), Matt Parr (Nottingham), Alex Brown (Doncaster), Tom Ryder (Glasgow), Don Barrell (Retired), Kevin Barrett (Exeter Chiefs), Noah Cato (Northampton Saints), Henry Staff (Bedford).

LEICESTER:

We have a strong feeling that Welford Road could be the making of Mathew Tait. Tigers will improve his game and having Geordan Murphy as his mentor will help a great deal. They have not lost any key personnel over the off-season - barring their many World Cup absentees - so expect Leicester to be going toe-to-toe with Saracens until the very end.

Sky Bet odds: 7/4

Last season: 1st (Beaten play-off finalists)

Prediction: 2nd

In: Kieran Brookes (Newcastle Falcons), Graham Kitchener (Worcester Warriors), Julian Salvi (ACT Brumbies), Micky Young (Newcastle Falcons), Mathew Tait (Sale Sharks), Richard de Carpentier (UWIC), Tom Youngs (Nottingham), Niall Morris (Leinster).

Out: Joe Duffey (Nottingham), Dave Markham (Gloucester), Dan Hemingway (Leeds Carnegie), Lucas Amorosino (Montpellier), Matt Everard (Bedford), Will Hurrell (London Welsh).

GLOUCESTER:

Standing by Bryan Redpath has proved a stroke of genius from the Cherry and Whites as their form towards the end of 2010/11 won them many admirers. Wing Charlie Sharples was one man in serious form and was unfortunate to miss out on England's 30. But their loss is Gloucester's gain, expect both him and his team to kick on in all competitions.

Sky Bet odds: 9/1

Last season: 3rd

Prediction: 3rd

In: Dan Murphy (London Irish), Matias Cortese (Pampas XV), Nathan Charles (Western Force), Dario Chistolini (Petarca Rugby), Dave Markham (Leicester Tigers), Tom Savage (Hartpury), Nick Runciman (London Welsh).

Out: Alasdair Dickinson (Sale Sharks), Olivier Azam (Toulon), Paul Doran-Jones (Northampton Saints), Pierre Capdevielle (released), Dave Attwood (Bath), Jordi Pasqualin (Newcastle Falcons), Nicky Robinson (London Wasps), Dan Williams (Colomiers).

NORTHAMPTON:

Saints will miss the likes of Courtney Lawes, Dylan Hartley, Ben Foden and Chris Ashton during the World Cup period and so will expect the likes of Paul Diggin and Noah Cato to fill in strongly. If they can stay in the mix until their big names return, then they will feature.

Sky Bet odds: 4/1

Last season: 4th

Prediction: 4th

In: Paul Doran-Jones (Gloucester), Samu Manoa (San Francisco Golden Gate RFC), James Craig (Leeds Carnegie), Martin Roberts (Scarlets), Ryan Lamb (London Irish), Tom May (Toulon), George Pisi (Clermont Auvergne), Noah Cato (Saracens), Vasili Artemiev (VVA-Podmoskovye Monino), Cesar Sempere (Nottingham).

Out: Regardt Dreyer (released), Dan Sanderson (Moseley), Mark Easter (Sale Sharks), Shane Geraghty (Brive), Joe Ford (Leeds Carnegie), Joe Ansbro (London Irish), Matt Cornwell (Mogliano), Bruce Reihana (Bordeaux), Ryan Powell (retired), Dan Vickerman (Waratahs).

BATH:

Savvy signings have been made at the Recreation Ground ahead of 2011/12 and Francois Louw, Dan Hipkiss and Kyle Eastmond are set to be crowd favourites. However, sizeable voids needed filling due to big-name exits and it could be too much to ask of the new men.

Sky Bet odds: 7/1

Last season: 5th

Prediction: 5th

In: Charlie Beech (London Wasps), Anthony Perenise (Hurricanes), Dave Attwood (Gloucester), Ryan Caldwell (Ulster), Carl Fearns (Sale Sharks), Francois Louw (Stormers), Stephen Donald (Chiefs), Kyle Eastmond (St Helens RL), Dan Hipkiss (Leicester Tigers).

Out: David Barnes (Retired), Danny Grewcock (Retired), Peter Short (Exeter Chiefs), Luke Watson (Southern Kings), Butch James (Lions), Shontayne Hape (London Irish), Jacques Bousugge (Brive).

LONDON IRISH:

It is hard to spin how their new arrivals eclipse what has left during the off-season. Only Daniel Bowden remains from the main four faces who shared 10, 12 and 13 last year as Ryan Lamb, Seilala Mapusua and Elvis Seveali'i move on to pastures new. Mid-table.

Sky Bet odds: 25/1

Last season: 6th

Prediction: 9th

In: Leo Halavatau (Birmingham & Solihull), Bryn Evans (Hurricanes), James Sandford (Rotherham Titans), Edward Siggery (Scarlets), Ross Samson (Edinburgh), Adrian Jarvis (Leeds Carnegie), Steven Shingler (Scarlets), Shontayne Hape (Bath), Jonathan Spratt (Ospreys), Joe Ansbro (Northampton Saints), Jebb Sinclair (The Rock), Alex Gray (Newcastle), Tom Alexander (Eastwood).

Out: Dan Murphy (Gloucester), George Stowers (Ospreys), Steffon Armitage (Toulon), Ryan Lamb (Northampton Saints), Seilala Mapasua (Kubota Spears), Chris Malone (retiring), Ben Stevenson (London Welsh), James Tideswell (London Welsh), Jon Fisher (Bedford Blues), Elvis Seveali'i (Bourgoin), James Lennard (Bedford Blues).

HARLEQUINS:

Nick Easter, Ugo Monye, Maurie Fa'asavalu, James Johnston and Tomas Vallejos will all be at the World Cup while Danny Care and Ollie Smith are currently injured, meaning Quins will be tested early on. Chris Robshaw will be key but we can't see them challenging.

Sky Bet odds: 12/1

Last season: 7th

Prediction: 10th

In: Nic Mayhew (North Harbour), Tim Fairbrother (Western Force), Richard Bolt (Bristol), Matt Hopper (Cornish Pirates).

Out: Tom Cheeseman (Esher), Ceri Jones (Worcester Warriors), John Andress (Exeter Chiefs), James Percival (Worcester Warriors), Lewis Stevenson (Ulster), Dave Moore (Connacht), Gonzalo Camacho (Exeter Chiefs).

EXETER:

Odds of 150/1 seem rather high for the Chiefs, who look like a side that is only going to get stronger. They have brought in a couple of capable props in John Andress and Craig Mitchell while Peter Short will add grit. One risk is that sides may have figured them out.

Sky Bet odds: 150/1

Last season: 8th

Prediction: 7th

In: Craig Mitchell (Ospreys), John Andress (Harlequins), Peter Short (Bath), Aly Muldowney (Glasgow), Ben White (Cardiff Blues), Kevin Barrett (Saracens), Myles Dorrian (Bedord Blues), Josh Tatupu (Castres), Gonzalo Camacho (Harlequins).

Out: Eoghan Grace (Connacht), Ryan Davis (London Wasps), Josh Matavesi (Racing Metro), Nemani Nadolo (Green Rockets), Jack Andrew (Plymouth, Andrew Higgins (England Sevens), Ruaidhri Murphy (Easts Tigers), Garrick Cowley (released), Andy Miller (retiring), Ignacio Elosu (released), Dave Gannon (released), Paul McKenzie (released).

WASPS:

There will be a new air of optimism this year thanks to the arrival of David Young. The club have also signed up Steve Thompson, Marco Wentzel and Nicky Robinson so they have established players who shouldn't let the side down. Losing captain Tom Rees to injury and number eight Dan Ward-Smith due to recent retirement will hurt their aspirations though.

Sky Bet odds: 20/1

Last season: 9th

Prediction: 8th

In: Steve Thompson (Leeds Carnegie), Jerome Castex (Narbonne), Arden Perrot (Wellington), Guillermo Roan (La Plata), Ross Filipo (Bayonne), Marco Wentzel (Leeds Carnegie), Jonathan Poff (Crusaders), Nicky Robinson (Gloucester), Ryan Davis (Exeter Chiefs), Chris Bell (Sale Sharks), Chris Mayor (Parma), Alex Cheesman (Oxford Uni), Hugo Southwell (Stade Francais), Simon McIntyre (Sale Sharks), Lewis Thiede (Doncaster), Matt Everard (Leicester), James Harris (Dragons).

Out: Charlie Beech (Bath), Joe Ward (Sale Sharks), Jason Hobson (Bristol
, Serge Betsen (released), Andy Powell (Sale), Dave Walder (Mitsubishi Dynaboars), Steve Kefu (Bay of Plenty), Ben Jacobs (Kyuden Voltex), Mark van Gisbergen (Lyon), Tom French (Barking), Josh Lewsey (retiring), Seb Jewell (London Welsh), Michael Mayhew (North Harbour), Marty Veale (Northland), Will Matthews (released), Shaun Ruwers (Waterloo), David Lemi (released), Dan Ward-Smith (retired).

SALE:

The busiest of the twelve teams in England's top flight could be a surprise package this season. They have brought in a completely different back-row in the shape of Hendre Fourie, Andy Powell and Kearnan Myall, with Scotland's Richie Vernon also a good player.

Sky Bet odds: 66/1

Last season: 10th

Prediction: 6th

In: Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester), Joe Ward (London Wasps), Tony Buckley (Munster), Vadim Cobalas (VVA-Podmoskovye Monino), Andrei Ostrikov (Aurillac), Fraser McKenzie (Glasgow), Kearnan Myall (Leeds), Hendre Fourie (Leeds), Andy Powell (Wasps), Richie Vernon (Glasgow), Mark Easter (Northampton), Scott Mathie (Leeds), Tasesa Lavea (Clermont), Sam Tuitupou (Munster), Luther Burrell (Leeds), Charlie Amesbury (Newcastle Falcons), Joaquin Tuculet (Club de Rugby Los Tilos), Johnny Leota (Manawatu).

Out: Eifion Lewis-Roberts (Toulon), Jack Forster (released), Simon McIntyre (London Wasps), Nic Rouse (Nottingham), Sean Cox (Edinburgh), Chris Jones (Worcester Warriors), Carl Fearns (Bath), Kristian Ormsby (released), Neil McMillan (released), Sisa Koyamaibole (Lyon), Chris Brightwell (England Sevens), Asaeli Boko (Nadroga), Charlie Hodgson (Saracens), Matty James (released), Ben Cohen (retired), Andy Tuilagi, Chris Bell (London Wasps), Mathew Tait (Leicester Tigers), Jonny Kennedy (retired), Rhys Crane (released), Fergus Mulchrone (released), Selorm Kuadey (released), Paul Williams (Stade Francais), Karena Wihongi (Castres), Chris Leck (Edinburgh).

NEWCASTLE:

As mentioned, for too long the Falcons have been circling the drain and we feel this season could be their year to join English rugby's second tier. They have lost Brent Wilson, Tane Tu'ipulotu and Micky Young and not replaced them with the same standard. A long season.

Sky Bet odds: 250/1

Last season: 11th

Prediction: 12th

In: Dan Frazier (Doncaster Knights), Ashley Wells (Griquas), Richard Boyle (Tynedale), Josh Beaumont (Fylde), Richard Mayhew (Esher), Jordi Pasqualin (Gloucester), Will Chudley (Bedford Blues), Ricki Sherriffe (RL), Ryan Shortland (Otago), Joe Robinson (Tynedale), Jamie Helleur (Auckland), Taiasina Tu'ifua (Counties Manukau), Greg Goosen (La Rochelle).

Out: Kieran Brookes (Leicester Tigers), Filipo Levi (Tasman), Micky Young (Leicester Tigers), Tane Tu'ipulotu (Yamaha Jubilo), Rob Vickerman (England Sevens), Gcobani Bobo (released), Charlie Amesbury (Sale Sharks), Hall Charlton (Blaydon), Alex Gray (London Irish), Micky Ward (Blaydon), Danny Williams (Salford RL), Ed Williamson (retiring), Brent Wilson (North Harbour), Andrew Henderson (Glasgow Hutchesons Aloysians), Josh Afu (Carcassone), Tim Ryan (Cavalieri Prato).

WORCESTER:

At the first time of asking, the Warriors are back in the big time this season and will be looking to follow Exeter's lead in staying up for 2012/13. Shrewd signings have been made in the shape of experienced duo Ceri and Chris Jones while Shaun Perry adds solidity.

Sky Bet odds: 150/1

Last season: Championship champions

Prediction: 11th

In: Ceri Jones (Harlequins), George Porter (Plymouth Albion), Ollie Hayes (Bristol), James Percival (Harlequins), Ben Gulliver (Cornish Pirates), Chris Jones (Sale Sharks), Shaun Perry (Brive), Errie Claasens (London Welsh), Danny Gray (Montauban), Sione Tu'ipulotu (Plymouth Albion), Josh Drauniniu (London Welsh), Sam Betty (Cornish Pirates), Ravai Fatiaki (Tailevu).

Out: Adam Black (Retired), James Collins (free agent), Callum Black (Ulster), Greg Rawlinson (retired), Graham Kitchener (Leicester Tigers), Louis Silver (Bristol), Will Bowley (Toyota Shokki), Greg King (Moseley), Oriol Ripol (retired), Willie Walker (North Harbour), Andy Williams (retired), Rob Higgitt (retired), Pat Sanderson (retired).

By Adam Kyriacou