OLD Bar Clams will front up with a powerful pack for tomorrow's opening match of the Lower North Coast Rugby Union season against arch rivals Manning River Ratz at Old Bar.
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The Clams will boast players the calibre of captain-coach Chad Lambert, backrower Pete Wilson and representative hooker Teia Ambrosoli.
However, Lambert admits the club lacks experienced outside backs. For that reason he hopes rain this week might make the field at Old Bar's headquarters at the Trad Complex a bit slower.
This will be Old Bar's official return to rugby after the club was forced to withdraw last season citing a lack of players.
Lambert admits it's still a battle for numbers.
"We should have 18 there this week, giving us three on the bench,'' he said.
"So it's going to be a bit of a struggle and we can't afford injuries. We're still talking to a few former players, because I'd like a squad of around 25. Another six or seven would be handy.''
He believes he has the core of a competitive side with experienced Adam Gregory, Jordan Weir, who played with the Ratz last season and Steve Foy involved.
But there are also a number of newcomers to the game and Lambert concedes it will take time for them to learn the basics.
Lambert played with the Ratz last season. Manning made the grand final and according to Lambert were unlucky not to bring the premiership trophy home.
If anything, he expects them to be stronger this season.
"It's going to be tough for sure,'' Lambert said of the task ahead tomorrow.
