WEYMOUTH & Portland head coach Simon Litster admits he would like a bigger squad but has targeted a top-half-of-the-table finish for the Seahorses in Dorset & Wilts One South this year.

The Seahorses escaped relegation last year by winning their last four games in a row to finish ninth in the table.

Litster said: “I would like to see a bigger squad, to be honest.

“We are still lacking in a few positions, especially if we pick up one or two injuries we will be suffering.

“I would like to target the top half of the table, that would set us in good stead I think and avoid the desperation of the end of the season that we faced last year.

Litster added: “I think very simply we are a little more confident than we were at this point last season and a little better prepared I think would be the word.”

The Seahorses had a close 7-0 defeat against last year’s champions Dorchester in pre-season, which Litster described as ‘a reasonable outcome’.

The squad wanted to get into pre-season training earlier than usual which was led by captain Dave Oakesford, who wanted the side to begin in June rather than early July.

Litster is satisfied with their pre-season preparation but acknowledges hosting Bournemouth Thirds will be a tough task.

Litster said: “It is not going to be easy as the first game up, but I do not think any of the games this season are going to be that easy, to be honest.

“I think the league we are in is probably stronger on paper than it was last season. I think it is going to be a tough ask.”

“It should be a good day. Assuming the weather is like this it should be conducive to some open rugby which is a good thing.”

Top try-scorer last season Norton Rodgers is unavailable but Litster does not think it is a major issue, saying that there are players who can step up.