New coaches and new faces have freshened up the Gytes outfit as it prepares for its first game in the BT National League Division One tomorrow (Saturday, September 6).

And bosses are confident that given their fair share of luck, the team is good enough to be among a group of challengers vying for promotion in a wide-open league.

“Injuries always play a key part in what happens but we feel we have a stronger and better squad,” said senior director of rugby Graeme Paterson.

With recruits from Australia and South Africa, as well as the return of Ryan McConnel and Euan Jackson, competition for places is going to be healthy.

“We should be able to cope now with a few players out and as long as we can avoid a lot of long-term injuries we will have a good chance,” said Paterson.

“I would say there are about seven or eight teams in the same boat as us. Watsonians have recruited well, Dundee are always strong, Aberdeen have just come down from the Premiership and Stewart’s Melville also look decent. Add in the Borders sides and you would say nobody is going to run away with it this year.” Peebles were comprehensively beaten by Gala in a Bookers Border League game last month but that was hardly a major surprise as Gala are a level above them.

And new coach Gavin Kerr’s side have bounced back well, thumping National League Division Two side Greenock Wanders 66-7 last week.

“They are a league below us but it was a heartening display nevertheless and we played very well,“ said Paterson.

“We have a good balance to the side now and since the Gala game our set-pieces have been going well - that’s certainly something that Gavin’s been focusing on. The side also has good pace and counter-attacking ability as well as a solid defence so it is shaping up well for the new season.” Peebles’ first opponents, Borders rivals Kelso, are expected to be a tough nut to crack in tomorrow’s game at the Gytes (kick-off 3pm).

“It’s always a little difficult to gauge from pre-season games but we have had a look at Kelso and we know we are going to have to play well. But it’s important to make a decent start and gather some momentum,” said Paterson.