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

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 new skipper Mason is in no doubt about the target.

"By the very nature of the fact that 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, a memorable campaign, 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"We would have settled for a top-five finish last year, so to claim second place and win the North Midlands Plate superceded all our targets.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 are looking to challenge 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.

Ironically, Salts clinched the Plate last year with a 22-15 win over the same opposition at Stourbridge.

"The league is the priority this year but we'll still be looking for a decent run in the cup competitions," Mason added.

"I'm looking forward to captaining the side. Chris Newman did a great job last year and I'm only taking over as he wanted a break from it.

"I've been involved with the club for a long time, from minis and juniors upwards, so this is an honour for me."