OXFORD Harlequins director of rugby Matt Maudsley expects Cheltenham to be a much improved side when they travel to Horspath Road tomorrow.

Quins face the Gloucestershire club in their South West 1 opener with new captain Andy Noyce at the helm.

Cheltenham finished their 2004/05 campaign very poorly and ended up ninth in the table, but Maudsley is taking nothing for granted.

He said: "They were very weak at the end of last season, but I'm sure that they've sorted that out over the summer.

"I know they are always difficult to play, but hopefully we'll be a step ahead.

"We have a late start, but things are looking good. There's some very good players that have now joined us."

Maudlsey expects South African utility forward Gerrie Fourie to prove a key addition and was impressed by a surprise arrival.

He explained: "He's called Solomon and plays at six, I can't remember his surname.

"He just turned up on his bike last week and said 'can I play a bit of rugby?'.

"He is a big, scary Islander and should do well."

Neither player is in tomorrow's squad, but both should play a big part this season.

Chinnor will look to follow up Saturday's convincing cup win over Reading Abbey with a win at Basingstoke.

Lloyd Hoogstander replaces the injured Chad Ward on the right wing for their only change.

Captain Paul Hennessy said: "Basingstoke will be a stronger game. In all honesty I thought Reading were a bit poor and will do well to stay in the league.

"Playing Basingstoke will tell us where we are at."

Witney bring in forwards Martin Lyall and Carl Campbell for their trip to Grove in Southern Counties North.

Club spokesman Dave Gardner said: "Only one of the sick-list, Carl Strutt, return this week and he starts on the bench, but some of the others aim to get back in the next few weeks."