PROMOTED Maidenhead are set to receive a baptism of fire in South West Division 1 when the new season kicks-off on September 4.
First up is a taxing home clash with Clevedon, who ended last season level on points with league runners-up Cinderford.
The following week, Maids travel to Gloucestershire to take on Cinderford themselves, who were only denied a place in National 3 South by a 25-14 defeat away to Hertford in April’s play-offs.
Maids then take a break from the league for cup games, but their return to action on September 25 offers little respite, as they entertain Bristol-based Clifton, who finished the 2003-4 season in fourth place behind Clevedon.
Maidenhead coach Simon Edwards said: “It's incredible. Welcome to South West 1. But really, I'm delighted with that.
"I think it would be worse to go down to Keynsham or Bridgwater and lose there.
"If we're going to be tested it's better to be tested early, and I'd rather start with the top three teams than the bottom three.
"Ideally we wanted to start the season at home, and we've got that as well.”
The players begin pre-season training in the first week of July, when Edwards hopes to announce some new signings. He said: "We learned last time in South West 1 that you can't compete with 19 players.
“You need 25 quality players and I think we'll be there by the start of the season."