THERE are still plenty of places up for grabs for Taunton's opening South-West Two (W) clash at home to Weston Hornets on September 8, according to player-coach Danny Thomas.

The former Plymouth Albion flanker, who took over at the end of last season, saw his side in action for the first time last Saturday when they entertained National Three side Bridgwater in a pre-season match.

The visitors claimed a comfortable 47-0 victory in the match, played over four 20-minute sessions, but Thomas said he took a lot out of it.

Thomas said: "It was a good workout against a very good side.

"It was an eye opener for us because we want to be at their level and it showed how far we have to go.

"It also gave us an idea of how much we need to improve before the season starts.

"The lads stuck at it and there were some good performances.

"We just need to make sure we learn from it and work hard to put things right in training."

Thomas has recruited heavily in pre-season which has created competition for places. But he said it is up to the newcomers to earn the right to start in the opening league game.

He said: "We've brought in a few players and it's up to the players who played last season to hold on to their shirts.

"There will be a lot of hard to decisions to make because we have a big squad, but that's the name of the game.

"We've still got two games before the start of the season and I will be looking at lots of players over the coming weeks."

Taunton continue their pre-season preparations on Saturday when Sidmouth are the visitors to Hyde Park. The following Saturday, Taunton travel to Chepstow to take on an Army XV.

WELLINGTON won their opening pre-season match last Friday when they defeated North Petherton.

John Dunbar's side are also in action on Saturday when they entertain Minehead Barbarians.