Lakenham Hewett Ladies begin their season at home to Leicestershire side Stoneygate at Swardeston on Sunday.

The team have taken the decision to drop back to National Division 1 South East this season after a tough season in Championship 1 North.

Lakenham Hewett player Caroline Furniss told BBC Radio Norfolk that the travelling was taking its toll.

"Going to Carlisle, Darlington and Lancaster was too much from the great northern city of Norwich," she said.

"We did have some very high quality opponents and we didn't disgrace ourselves.

"When we went to Darlington, which includes England fly-half Katy McLean and a few other England players, they said we gave them one of their best games all season."

The club are looking to last season's experience under the guidance of a new coach, Nick Greenhall who is also joint head coach at North Walsham.

Furniss said: "We're very very pleased with his efforts and we've had a fantastic summer training with him, he's shown us some completely new things and new ways of thinking."