ABERYSTWYTH RFC will embark on an historic season when they kick-off their new campaign in the dizzy heights of Swalec Division One West this weekend.

Promoted as Division Two West champions, they are relishing the chance to test themselves at the higher level, and anticipation is mounting for their opening fixture at home to Penclawdd on Saturday.

Chairman Tim Lewis says these are exciting times for the club, which has built its success on a thriving junior section as it has steadily climbed up the divisions.

Last season the club won 19 of its 22 league matches, running in a staggering 114 tries en route to winning the title.

“It is a great achievement to be playing at this level, and we are proud of the fact that 90 per cent of our senior players have come through the junior ranks,” he said.

“A lot of hard work has gone into building up a thriving amateur club, with solid local foundations, and last year’s success as league champions was just reward for all the hard work that has been put in.

“We have a wonderful junior section, with over 150 youngsters turning out every Friday, and all this success is thanks to the volunteers who put their time in.

“It will be a fantastic honour to see the senior team playing in Division One West this season, home form will be very important, and it will be important that there is a positive attitude, win, lose or draw.

“These are exciting times at the club, and we hope people come and support us.”

Lee ‘Truck’ Evans will be following in the footsteps of his father Ray when he takes up the captaincy of the first team, whilst Craig Turner and Ifan Thomas have stepped up into the senior coaching positions at Plascrug for the new season.

All three are optimistic that the team can build on last year’s success and at least consolidate their position at the new level, where they will renew friendships with some old rivals, most notably Crymych.

It is fitting, however, that their first opponents this season will be Penclawdd, who were promoted as runners-up to Aber last season - having missed out on the title by just two points - and both clubs will feel that they have a point to prove.

FIXTURES: Saturday, 3 September: Swalec Championship: Newcastle Emlyn v Cardiff Met. Division One West: Aberystwyth v Penclawdd; Crymych v Waunarlwydd. Division Two West: Hendy v Llanybydder. Division Three West A: Cardigan v St Davids; Milford Haven v Tregaron. Division Three West B: Llandeilo v Lampeter. Division Three West C: Aberaeron v Pantyffynnon. Division Two North East: Llanidloes v Newtown.