HARPENDEN entertain Hammersmith & Fulham on Saturday in what promises to be a keenly fought and tightly contested match. The Men in Black welcome a new second row combination of Phil Edge from National One outfit Manchester, and Dan Harmer

HARPENDEN entertain Hammersmith & Fulham on Saturday in what promises to be a keenly fought and tightly contested match.

The Men in Black welcome a new second row combination of Phil Edge from National One outfit Manchester, and Dan Harmer from Old Albanians. Similarly in the backs an exciting and young line led by captain Joe Tennant, which features the returning Nick Childs, and James Homan who deputises at scrum half for the injured Rob Humphreys.

Last season saw Harpenden pip Hammersmith by just two points away, and the return fixture going the way of the London-based side by virtue of an injury time try.

Captain Tennant is looking forward to a strong campaign with some new signings integrated into the squad and the inclusion of some of the young stars. He said: "We have a handful of new players, some good students who have finished university and three or four new faces who have moved to the area.

"We are hoping to use some of the Under 17s stars from last season. The step up to senior rugby is greater than many people realise, but I am confident that some will represent the Firsts throughout this season.

"The squad is bigger than previous seasons. It now has more depth and more quality especially within the forwards and tight five which has been an area we struggled with times last year. This combined with a talented back-line and some good youngsters coming in bodes very well. The key is to get off to a flying start.