After several years of treading water, Chinnor now believe they have a squad strong enough to challenge from promotion in South West Division 2 East, writes Michael Knox.

"We've now got some backs," said coach Lynn Evans, whose charges travel across Oxfordshire to play Witney tomorrow.

The arrival of winger Josh Jones and centre Darren Oxley from Australia and Wales respectively, have given Chinnor a cutting edge.

With Alan Cawston developing as a strong attacking full back, and James Walkinshaw emerging as a versatile back, Chinnor can now turn their forward dominance into points, without having to rely on goalkicks.

Former Oxfordshire captain Paul Hennessy's arrival from Newbury has added power to the back row.

"We've got to be considered as promotion candidates," said Evans, who is not taking lowly Witney lightly.

"It's never easy over there, and they did well against promotion contenders Chippenham last week."

Henley Hawks will be looking to come back from the disappointment of the Tetley's Bitter Cup defeat at Otley, when they travel to play Moseley at their new ground in the Birmingham University campus at Bournbrook. Coaches Nigel Dudding and Jim McKay have resisted wholesale changes for the National League 1 game.

They have included Canadian Dave Penney in a squad of 23 and must decide which foreign registered player will have to stand down, as centres Trevor Walsh and Ric Van Zyl are also nominated.

A new name in the squad is Andy Tibbatts. A member of the RAF academy squad, he played at Dry Leas last year and has been showing good form for Hawks 2nd.

After last week's defeat at Kenilworth, Banbury Bulls make changes for the visit of unbeaten Leicester Lions in Midland League 1.

With fly-half Richard Lee a late withdrawal last week still unavailable, Simon Purnell continues to deputise, with Stuart Viggers switching from the wing to full back.

Mark Botten and Bruce Riddell renew their partnership in the centre following injury, while both Richard Hughes and Simon Chatterton return to the second row.

Oxford Harlequins travel to play Beaconsfield in a Southern Counties North game with Paul Rudd, Matt Hardy, Matt Dodwell, Paul DeLange added to their squad.