OXFORDSHIRE will be without fly half Ashley Tapper for their second Tetley's Bitter County Championship rugby union match against Sussex at Banbury tomorrow (3).

The former Oxford Blue is required by his club, Bedford Athletic, and so will be absent as Oxon try to build on the encouraging display during their 18-6 defeat by Cornwall at Camborne on Sunday.

With Henley's Ben Tubb still ruled out by injury, Banbury's Lee Illott - a former Witney and Northampton player - moves from centre to take over the pivotal role.

Simon Townsend comes in on the wing, with Andy Noyce joining Mark Botten in the centre.

Other changes see prop Simon Matthews and scrum half Stuart Cassidy, who came off the bench against Cornwall, starting this time.

While Oxon were losing to the Southern Group 2 favourites, Sussex defeated Berkshire 24-12.

Oxfordshire: B Browne, S Townsend, A Noyce (Henley), M Botten (Banbury), D Knight (Henley), L Illott (Banbury), S Cassidy (Bicester), J Bothwell (Ox Univ), H McNeile (Reading), S Matthews (Chinnor), W Ansell, S Chatterton (Banbury), P Hennessy (Newbury) capt, R Callaway, Cockerton (Banbury). Reps: L Smye, D Cassidy Henley), A Milburn (Chinnor), D Holder (Henley), L Perkins (Banbury). The final will be preceded by the Morrells Oxfordshire Plate final between Abingdon and Grove, which kicks off at Banbury at 1pm.

With both Simon Matthews and Andy Milburn playing for the county, Chinnor are forced to shuffle their pack for the South West League Division 2 East game at home to Wimborne.

Story date: Friday 09 April

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