LUCTONIANS head coach Ryan Watkins said that his side are full of energy and confidence as they prepare for this weekend's season opener against Lichfield.

The Midlands Premier opener will have an added importance as a bumper crowd is expect at Mortimer Park to support the club’s charity fundraising ‘Lucs in Pink’ event raising money for Breast Cancer Heaven in Hereford.

Watkins side has prepared for the season with wins over Chippenham and Malvern before suffering a 40-7 defeat at Leicester Lions last Friday night.

“We have had three pre-season games in total where we tried to build up gradually with each game tougher that the previous,” said Watkins.

“We played National Two side Leicester as that’s the level we want to be and we tested ourselves against that opposition which was another good challenge.

“It was a very good physical test and I was pleased that the boys fronted up really well and I was pleased with how they took the game.

“We’ve just been getting the guys fit and tweaking what we did last season. We have got a lot of competition within the team and picking a starting squad is giving me a headache.

“It’s a very exciting time to be part of the club as we have kept most of the players together."

This weekend’s visitors finished 11th in the Midlands Premier last season and Watkins side will be wearing pink kit to mark the fundraising day.

Last season the event raised £9,800 for the charity and there will be a charity dinner and an auction of the player’s special edition pink shirts following the match.

“The guys behind the club hold the fundraising event for the cancer charity and last year we raised a good amount,” added Watkins.

“Wearing the pink shirt is a bit of fun too. I think fans want to have a look at what we have been doing in the off-season.

“We’re a team full of energy and confidence as although we were relegated we won five out of our last six matches.

“So we weren’t in a bad position and we’ve carried on and been able to refresh the guys. Hopefully we can get off on the right foot and it should be a good performance full of confidence.

“I hope we can take it too Lichfield.”