Banbury coach Martin Hobley is trying to forget all about the club's high-profile signing Derwyn Jones, who has been sidelined by injury all season, writes Michael Knox.

The 6ft 10in former Wales international was signed amid much acclaim before the start of the season.

The Midland Division 1 club, through their then director of rugby Peter Payne, managed to find him a job and accommodation.

However, a long-term back injury, of which the club were aware, has flared up and prevented Jones from turning out.

It was thought that Jones would make his debut against Hereford last Saturday, but he pulled out the night before the game.

Hobley said: "It's frustrating for me, because people keep asking me when Derwyn's going to play and it's frustrating for the players, who want to play with him and benefit from his experience.

"To be honest, we're trying to forget the subject. If he happens to be fit, that's a bonus," added Hobley, who said the deal to sign Jones was done before he took over as coach. "We're not bothered any more and just looking towards the future, rather than back," said Hobley.

Jones, whose condition may require surgery, has limited his rugby activity to helping at a few training sessions.

Centre Graeme Cartmell is not available for tomorrow's game at Kenilworth, so Paul Cartwright is switched to centre and new signing Kelvin Jordon, who has played National League rugby for Weston-super-Mare, takes over on the wing.

In the second row, British discus record holder Perris Wilkins, who came in for Jones last week, keeps his place after a solid performance against Hereford.

Steve Clarke comes in for the injured Richard Hughes at flanker.

Henley's Tetley's Bitter Cup third round tie at Otley tomorrow assumed monumental importance when the draw for the fourth round was made this week.

The reward for the winners is a tie against mighty Leicester at Welford Road.

There is, therefore, no lack of motivation for the Hawks to get revenge for the 16-10 league defeat a fortnight ago.

Oxford Harlequins entertain bottom club Drifters in a Southern Counties North League game at Horspath Road.

Adam Rudd, Nick Walker, Paul Browne and Duncan Wells are added to the squad.

Littlemore are looking forward to their historic first ever league encounter with Oxford in Berks, Bucks & Oxon 1.

Richard Zubier has returned from America and will play at fly half.