Pre-season: Done

All done, so what did we learn?

Well, probably not all that much more than we knew already.

Cov are in a pretty good place overall, it seems. Putting out virtually two full squads against Leicester Lions seems to indicate that there's a reasonable playing depth, with internationals not available, nor the No.1 pick inside half, and that there are very promising youngsters coming through.

The slightly more established 'Academy' products aren't standing still neither, so the future - given an even hand by those upstairs - looks fairly rosy.

Leicester Lions were a slightly tougher test than some anticipated, I'm sure, and I'd go so far as to say that they ought to be in the top-end mix next year, although they're maybe a year behind the favourites, for obvious reasons.

As my second-nearest league club I shall watch their progress with interest.

I couldn't make the Mose trip for various reasons, so will just have to let the scoreline speak for itself. Suffice to say, it didn't augur too well for Mose, although it must be said they were missing a few senior bodies.

Cov's task looks just as tough though. Ealing (oh Ealing!) have recruited as heavily as usual, if not more so, and must be favourites (how often has that been said though) assuming they finally wake up to the Prem's daft ground requirements this time.

Champions Jersey will be no slouches, as ever, and Doncaster seem to have broken out the Yorkshire wallet, shook out the moths, and brought in some strength too.

Bedford. Who knows? They have a decent, if thin, squad, but as usual will rely heavily on near-neighbours Saints to bolster it. It could all come down to who Northampton are willing to ship out temporarily, and the nature of those loans and whether they are left in place at Goldington Road all season.

Outside last season's top four it's difficult to see anyone except Donny being capable of breaching it. Maybe Hartpury with their rejuvenated link to Gloucester have an outside shot at the upper reaches, but again, the same niggles apply as those that could trouble the Blues.

Pirates? Who knows with Pirates? They don't appear to be in the rudest of health, but maybe the Exeter links will overcome that? Likewise with Nottingham Tigers.

Caldy are another side who keep things under their hat, but will look to build on what was a very solid maiden Championship season. I can see them doing it too.

Bringing up the rear, Ampthill (never write them off though) should be comfortable in mid table, and London Scottish should have enough in the Harlequin tank to prevent a last-minute escape this time round.

Which only leaves Cambridge. There's no doubt it will be tough for them at this level. They've recruited, but I'm not sure whether it's enough.  They'll point to Cov Alumni Kwaku Asiedu who was on fire last term,  scoring tries at will, but he'll remember Championship defences, and they've strengthened on the whole since he stepped down a level. But, he, and the Blood and Sand will also bear monitoring. I wish them well, but fear it may be a step too far at just the wrong time.