THE captain of Dunfermline Rugby Club's first XV says there is a "good feel" around McKane Park following last season's success.

Matthew Wilson also believes that retaining players, as well as integrating those from younger age groups into senior rugby, have added to the positivity at the club.

Last season, the first XV clinched the Caledonia Region League, Division One title to secure promotion to National League Division Four, whilst the second XV won promotion to Caledonia Midlands Region League Division Two.

The first XV opened their campaign with a loss at North Berwick on Saturday, and welcome Murrayfield Wanderers to McKane this weekend for their first home match in the national leagues since 2015.

Speaking ahead of the North Berwick game, Wilson was optimistic over the upcoming season, commenting: "There was a couple of results last year that went our way quite heavily. I don't think there'll be any of that this year.

"I'm definitely confident we can get plenty of wins on the board, but we're just looking forward to having some good, close games, games that are going to push us to be better players as well.

"We might not end on the right end of the scoreline, but they'll be games that makes guys better players.

"We know what we're all capable of. It's just putting it out on the park, which we're confident we can do, as long as injuries and things go our way.

"The number of young lads coming up. We've got a good 5-10 guys from the under-18s last year that have come up and got minutes in games during pre-season this year.

"They're showing their worth, and that they want to play here, so that's a positive. We always tend to lose guys - we lose some to university and things - but there's a lot of guys who want to stay here and play here. They're getting games at the weekend and coming in to training each week.

"It's great to get those guys integrated in games, and a couple of new faces as well. It's been good to get the group together and everyone's excited for the new season."