HEREFORD RFC captain Luke Yarranton believes this is the toughest season he has known while being at Wyeside.

The city side have found the going tough in Midlands 1 West this campaign and start 2017 in eighth place.

“If we get everyone fit we are fine, but we are a young team playing against bigger players,” said Yarranton.

“It’s definitely the hardest league I have known and the standard is a lot higher.”

Hereford resume their campaign following the festive break with a home game against Whitchurch.

And Yarranton says it’s imperative his side come away with a victory.

“Whitchurch are a very physical side, but it’s at home and we’ve got to win,” he said.

Another side who will be looking to kick-start their season are Luctonians.

The Kingsland based outfit lost their last six games in 2016 and will be looking for a much better second half to the season.

Lucs are currently in 11th place in the division and will be looking to threaten the top eight places rather than looking over their shoulder.

Two teams who will definitely be harbouring hopes of gaining promotion this season are Ledbury and Bromyard.

Both are handily placed in their respective divisions, with Bromyard leading Midlands 4 West (South) after 10 games.

However, Alcester and Stoke Old Boys are breathing down their necks, with only four points separating the three sides.

Bromyard can extend their lead this Saturday though when they travel to Alcester in a mouthwatering encounter.

Ledbury, meanwhile, are second in Midlands 3 West (South) having won nine of their 11 games and scoring 392 points.

The Ross Road outfit are five points clear of third-placed Shipston-on-Stour and go to the Warwickshire side this Saturday.

If Ledbury come away with a win, they will seriously fancy their chances of going up and even catching leaders Droitwich, who are five points clear with a 100 per cent record.

Greyhound are also in action this Saturday and host Tenbury in another appetising fixture.

Greyhound are in second spot in Midlands 5 West (North) with five wins out of seven games to their name and are just four points behind leaders Market Drayton.

But Tenbury, who are third, will be a test for the Hereford side and will be gunning for a win.

Ross-on-Wye resume their Gloucester 2 campaign on January 14 when they host Cheltenham Civil Service.

The Greytree outfit are fourth in the division.