ESSEX Eels may have made a losing start to their 2005 campaign, but head coach Stuart Hogg is confident his side can spring a big surprise in National League Three.

The Eels finished rock bottom in their debut season last year but some judicious summer recruitment has given them hope of a brighter campaign this time out.

Despite going down 44-12 to Pennine League outfit Elland in the Challenge Cup on Saturday, Hogg believes the signs are there for a strong push from his side.

"I'm really looking forward to the start of the season," he said. "If we can build on our performance against Elland we are going to surprise a few people.

"We will get some victories this year. I've targetted games I know we can win, and if we do that we will be in with a chance of the play-offs."

Hogg is taking inspiration from the revival of Hemel Stags, who lost every match of their National League Three debut season before recovering last time to get within a minute of the grand final.

"They lost something like 24 games in a row in this league but they kept going, they learned from it and they've made a lot of progress," added the coach.

"We've still got people to come into our squad - three of the lads who played at the weekend only stepped off the plane during the previous week - and we will get stronger."

The Pro-Plumb sponsored Eels are playing their home games at Gloucester Park Arena this season.

National League Three kicks off at the start of April with a home match against Bramley Buffaloes.