GREG Bannister wants Westcliff to be pushing towards the top of the table this season.

Westcliff were relegated from National League Two East without winning a game last term.

But skipper Bannister is confident his side can bounce back in Regional One South East this time around.

“I think we want to be challenging for the top spots,” said Bannister.

“It’s going to be a tough league to get out of with only one going up but I think for us it’s about playing a good style of rugby, getting some wins and then see where that takes us.”

Westcliff host newly promoted Letchworth Garden City at the Gables on the on the opening game of the season this weekend.

And Bannister cannot wait for kick-off.

“For the first game of the season there is always excitement,” said Bannister, who will start the match at full-back.

“We’ve had a good pre-season so we are in a good place and we are really looking forward to Saturday.

“They have got promoted the last two seasons so they will obviously be coming down with some confidence.

“Speaking to some people they play a nice brand with some big forwards but the first few games are always interesting so let’s see what happens.”