HEAD coach Adam Fletcher admits Lymm have “one of the hardest opening-day fixtures out there” as they prepare to kick off their Northern Premier campaign at Billingham on Saturday, kick off 2.15pm.

Following a promising campaign last year, the Crouchley Lane side will be aiming to secure promotion in what will be their ninth successive season at this level.

However, Fletcher admits they could not face a much tougher start than a trip to Teeside.

“Billingham will be super tough,” he said.

“It’s probably one of the hardest opening day fixtures out there.

“They play a superb brand of rugby, so we will have to be on it from the first minute if we are wanting to bring the five points home.”

Lymm go into the game on the back of a 38-31 defeat to National League Two side Huddersfield in an entertaining pre-season friendly on Saturday.

It was a game in which Fletcher said everyone in his squad “put their hands up” to be picked for their league opener.

“Saturday was really positive performance from all involved,” he said.

“Huddersfield are a strong side with some really good players, so to perform how we did was pleasing.

“We got into our attacking shape early, scoring three great tries off the back of this shape.

“At times we struggled with Huddersfield’s power game, but I’m happy with how the lads defended.

“I thought all the boys put their hands up for Billingham, so selection should be fun.

“It was great to have Ali Wealthall and Giles Dugdale back in the pitch for us.

“Ali hasn’t played for us since the opening fixture two seasons ago, he fitted straight back in.”

Sam Mullarkey, Joe Denman, James Kimber, Matty Connelly and Reece Forrest all crossed for Lymm at Crouchley Lane, with Cormac Nolan kicking two conversions and Scott Redfern adding one.

Lymm's three other senior teams are also in action on Saturday, with the seconds hosting Macclesfield and the Eagles welcoming Prenton's seconds.

The Kestrels side are away at Manchester's seconds.

Warrington and Moore also kick their seasons off on Saturday.

A trip to Birkenhead Park is the opening North One West fixture for Andy Roberts' Warrington side, while Moore welcome Anselmians' seconds to Moss Lane.