Lakin will be casting his eye over a squad of players taking on Bedworth at Nicholas Chamberlaine School on Saturday while another group remains at the Griff and Coton to host AEI Rugby (both 3pm).
“We learned at the first trial game against Tamworth we probably had too many players to make it worthwhile for all of them,” said Lakin.
“So we’re grateful to AEI Rugby for their offer to travel and we will be able to divide the 45 or so players we have at our disposal.
“More senior players will be heading to Bedworth but there are plenty of other players joining the fold as we experiment going into the new season.
“The statistics from last season showed the first team used more than 50 players across the season so it’s important people get that kind of exposure to bigger challenges and test themselves.
“Splitting the squads has given me a selection headache but that’s all part and parcel of the challenge.”
Bedworth have endured a summer of great change following their second-successive relegation – falling into Midlands 4 West South for the first time.
Troubles behind the scenes saw them lose their Rectory Fields – where Park ran out 59-0 winners the last time sides met at the venue -due to more-than quadroupled rental demands from the landowner, forcing a change of venue to Nicholas Chamberlaine School.
And with Bedworth putting out a ‘call to arms’ among the town’s community to cheer their side on Saturday – Lakin is wary of the challenge ahead for his side.
“Bedworth have got a group of former players or semi-retired players who are engrained in their club and are giving it their all to stabilise it to allow it to grow again once more, which I am sure it will,” he said.
“I am sure they will want to get that era off to a strong start and get a ‘W’ on the board. While my focus will be on developing our squad and building towards our first game, we will not wanting to lose the game and know we have a real challenge on our hands.”
Injured second team captain Podge Everard has a squad of more than 20 players available for the home game and will entrust Liam Rose with the on-field matters against AEI Rugby.
Park defeated AEI Rugby home and away last season, either side of a heavy defeat against their unpredictable opponents.
He said: “You’re never sure what you’re going to get with AEI Rugby but it’s always a good challenge for the lads, that’s for sure.
“We’ve lost some lads who are being given a run out at Bedworth but we’ve still got a lot of experience, a lot of freshness within our squad to get the job done and hopefully put a marker down ahead of the new season.”
Those attending/playing the home game against AEI Rugby are advised to park on the front car park (grass area bordering Heath End Road) due to cricket being played next to the rugby pitch. The cricket club accepts no liability for damages caused.
Also, the home match will see players change and shower in the football changing rooms and after match drinks will be in the main Griff and Coton bar – not the pavilion – as the cricket season is still ongoing.
All players are reminded that annual subs are due at a cost of £30 for the season, please pay these as soon as possible to Nik Gajic in person or via internet banking.
Meet time for the Bedworth game is 1pm at the Griff and Coton or 1.40pm if meeting at Nicholas Chamberlaine School. Meet time for the AEI Rugby game is 1.45pm at the Griff and Coton (please ensure football changing rooms are left as they are found, thank you).