OLD Patesians coach Rob Fidler hopes his team can avoid second-season syndrome after narrowly missing out on promotion from National Three South West last year.

Pats were defeated 15-0 by London side Old Albanians in a promotion play-off in April after finishing second behind leaders Taunton in the regular season.

However, player-coach Fidler wants his side to mount another strong challenge this year and they have a difficult start at home to Town rivals Cheltenham tomorrow.

"One of the aims is promotion, whether it be straight up or via the play-offs again, but that is the aim for every club in the division so that is definitely in the back of our minds," said former Gloucester second row Fidler.

"We are always careful. Just because we had a good season last year, it does not mean we will have another good one this year.

"In some ways it is going to be a lot harder maybe because last year we shocked a few teams when we turned up and played well and took them by surprise.

"This time they know what to expect from us which in some ways makes it harder."

Prop James King is definitely out after injuring his knee in pre-season and back Barney Pascall is one of a number of players carrying injuries.

Cheltenham won promotion after running away with the South West One East title last season and will be hard to gauge for Fiddler and his side.

Playing any newly-promoted team is always difficult, but against local rivals who will undoubtedly raise their game makes it even harder.

However, Fidler believes it is good for the state of local rugby to have two Cheltenham sides in the same division so high up.

"Whoever made the fixture list must have had a sense of humour," added Fidler.

"I think just the fact it is a good local derby means it is always going to have a bit of spice to it, but hopefully there should be quite a good crowd there and it should be quite a good game of rugby.

"There will be a bit of needle and a bit of extra spice. It is smashing for local rugby. We are just hoping the weather stays nice so it will be a good day."