NEW Old Salts skipper James Mason says his side have one big focus next season – to win Midlands Two West North.

Old Salts finished runners-up to Lichfield last year, only to lose 14-12 to Old Laurentians in the promotion play-off final.

They begin the new league campaign on September 11 at home to Ludlow and skipper Mason is sure of the target.

"As you look to make progress every season, the aim has to be to win the league this year," he said.

"By finishing runners-up last time, we haven't given ourselves much room for manoeuvre on that score.

"Last year was a fantastic season for us and we want to build on that.

"We would have settled for a top-five finish last year so to claim second place and win the North Midlands Plate superceded all our targets.

"Now expectations have risen and we have to set our sights higher.

"We have a new coach in Dean Lewis, who is vastly experienced, and we're looking for the title.

"We start with two home games next month – against Ludlow and then Tamworth.

"Last year, our home form was key to our success and we will be aiming to get off to a flying start and set our stall out early on."

Before the league campaign gets underway, Old Salts start the defence of their trophy by travelling to Droitwich in the North Midlands Plate on September 4.

Salts clinched the Plate last year with a 22-15 win over the same opposition at Stourbridge. "The league is the priority, but we'll still be looking for a decent cup run," added Mason.