St Ives coach Ian Morgan is saving his predictions for later as he weighs up the South West One season ahead.

The Hakes get under way against Ivybridge at Alexandra Road tomorrow when they are likely to give debuts to seven new faces as there has been a serious influx of players during the summer.

Morgan feels he has a competitive squad, but how competitive he can't be sure.

"Ask me at Christmas as I should know by then," said Morgan. "We look in good shape – much stronger than last year – and there is competition for places.

"The only two teams to beat us at home last season were Newton and Hartpury – and they both went up.

"Away from home we barely won a game. I am hoping that will change. Three of our first four games are at home and that gives us the chance to build some momentum."

Ivybridge – where losses outweigh gains by a ratio if 2:1 – are set to make a bit of club history tomorrow.

Named in the side at scrum-half is Cameron Setter, whose dad Paul is sitting on the bench. "We have never had a father and son play together in the first XV since the club was formed nearly 40 years ago, so if Paul comes on it will be a special moment," said coach Spenser Owen.

Having stayed up under pressure last season, Owen is looking for an easier ride this term. "As the new boys only two or three of us had played at this level before and it showed," said Owen.

"The best way I can describe it is by saying we need to get a bit meaner."

Sidmouth, at home to Paignton, have a new coach in Max Hansford, who has replaced Andy Matchett.

The departure of prop Callum Hill to Exmouth is a loss, as is Glenn Channing's decision to go 'over the hill' to Honiton as player-coach. Try scoring centre Harry Chesterton has left the area, as has second row, Tim Phipps.

Paignton have recruited sparingly during the close season, going for quality rather than bodies. Lock Ian Harvey has come over from Newton Abbot and. Tom Havill, who quit Torquay last season and rocked up at New Cross for a while, has also signed on.

Brixham are going flat out for promotion from South West One after narrowly missing out last season.

Coach Dan Parkes, now settled in after his first season at the club, had made a clear statement of intent on the eve of the new season, which starts with a trip to Walcot Old Boys tomorrow. "We are looking for promotion this season and everyone at the club is committed to achieving it," said Parkes.