THE PACK is to take a leading role for Bideford in the new Tribute Cornwall/Devon season.

For a number of years, it has been all about exciting back play at King George's Field.

But this season, Bideford may just have the grunt to go with the glamour.

Andrew Mackenzie-Shapland, who will again captain the side from the back division, said: "The tail end of last season was the first time in a number of years that the forwards were the leading lights, keeping us in games.

"Before, it was a case of trying to just get some sort of ball and the backs were leading the way.

"Now we have got a lot of ball-carrying forwards and Kevin Booth, our forwards coach, has got them working very well.

"We will be using that as a tactic this season, not just playing the Bideford way, through the backs."

George Snell will complete his step up from the colts to first-team rugby and is joined in the front-row options by Paul Thomas, the former Crediton prop.

Bideford have also welcomed back two former players. Dave Slee, a fly half or full back, has been playing for Chippenham in the National League. Sam Olde, a full back, has been scoring tries for Thornbury.

"We've got good options," said Mackenzie-Shapland. "There is a going to be a lot of competition for places and that can only be good.

"When everyone is in the mix, it will be a very difficult side to pick.

"We're not going to compete with the sides with money.

"We're trying to build a team. If we get promoted as a result, hopefully it will be sustainable, rather than us having to pay money to players who will then go where the next meal ticket is."

Mackenzie-Shapland expects the opening weeks to prove crucial to Bideford's chances of improving on their sixth-place finish — three of their first four matches are away from home, starting with a trip to Withycombe on Saturday.

"The first five games will tell a tale of where we are," said the captain.

"Withycombe are coming down a league and they are going to be a big test for us.

"Last season we were less than convincing away from home (they lost nine times).

"We haven't laid down any markers about wanting to win the league or anything like that, there are no expectations for this side, we just want to improve on last season.

"We should be confident that we can push forward and improve on last season — there is every reason to believe we can do that."

Bideford beat Okehampton 36-12 in their first pre-season friendly.

That was followed by a 124-0 thrashing of South Molton on Saturday.

Bideford 2010-11 fixtures (Tribute Cornwall/Devon unless stated) — Sept 4: Withycombe (A). Sept 11: Crediton (A). Sept 18: Falmouth (H). Sept 25: St Austell (A). Oct 2: Honiton (H). Oct 9: Liskeard-Looe (A). Oct 16: Roseland (H). Oct 23: Saltash (A). Oct 30: Teignmouth (H). Nov 13: Stithians (A). Nov 20: Hayle (H). Nov 27: Torrington (A). Dec 4: Totnes (H). Dec 11: Crediton (H). Dec 18: Falmouth (A). Dec 27: Barnstaple (friendly, H). Jan 8: St Austell (H). Jan 15: Honiton (A). Jan 22: Liskeard-Looe (H). Jan 29: Roseland (A). Feb 5: Saltash (H). Feb 12: Tavistock (Devon Intermediate Cup, A). Feb 19: Teignmouth (A). March 5: Stithians (H). March 12: Hayle (A). March 26: Torrington (H). April 9: Totnes (A). April 16: Withycombe (H).