Oxford Harlequins can take a giant stride towards securing their second promotion in two seasons when they meet Swanage & Wareham in a top-of-the-table clash in South West 2 East at Horspath Road on Saturday (2.30pm).
Mark DixonUntil a fortnight ago, this game looked like a real tough battle, with both sides unbeaten and taking turns at the top of the table.
But then Swanage suffered a shock defeat away to bottom club Grove
Considering that leaders Quins put more than 50 points on Grove, they must start strong favorites to extend their lead to four points.
If that happens, then Matt Maudsley's side will prove very difficult to catch now that they have the strength in depth to cope with injuries.
After last week's enforced break, when Amersham & Chiltern gave them a walkover in the Powergen Intermediate Cup, Quins will be raring to go.
Guy Dobson, Mark Dixon, Elio Recchia and Nick Edwards will all be vying to secure places in the starting line-up after missing out a fortnight ago.
There is another top-of-the table battle in National League 2, as leaders Henley travel to face second-placed Bracknell.
Henley welcome back two of their leading try scorers, Rusty Osman and Nnamdi Obi, who scored 11 tries between them in September.
After recovering from hamstring problems, the pair are expected to start the match at Lilly Hill Park.
Also back from a week's rest last week are Jim Hamilton-Smith and leading scorer Barry Reeves.
Steve Barnes is also fully recovered from his hamstring strain and will captain the side from No 8 in the absence of Mark Venner, who is out as a precaution following an injury.
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