Southern Counties North

Chipping Norton have more competition for places than ever as they target mid-table respectability.

Andy Dawson's side won the BB&O Premier Division at a canter last season and have only lost one player – centre Aaron Tustin, who has joined Witney.

Dawson said: "We will be looking for a mid-table finish and avoid getting into a relegation scrap to allow this very young side time to mature and push on in the next season.

"The squad has more depth and competition for places is at an all time high.

"I am sorry to see Aaron go, but he now lives in Witney and could be their star player."

IN: Ashley Nasir (Lancaster University), Roger Owen (Olney), Brindley Walker (Loughbrough University), Ben Millard (Banbury), Ben Davey (Stow-on-the-Wold), Jon Tarrant (Exeter University). Chris Dixon, Jon Hickman, Neil Penny (all back from long term injury).

OUT: Aaron Tustin (centre, Witney).

ONE TO WATCH: Jon Tarrant.

LAST SEASON: 1st, BB&O Premier Division

PREDICTION: Top four.

Witney will look for more consistency after last season, which had a good beginning and end , but a poor middle.

The word from the camp is that coaches John Campbell and Phil Harper just want to play some good rugby and see where that takes them.

Lock Jez Hicks captains the side for a fourth season.

This is the first season in a while when centre James Lamb hasn't been carrying an injury, so he has plenty to prove.

IN: Aaron Tustin (centre, Chipping Norton), Matt Gorfin (hooker, Helston), Dan Wheeler (fly half, Oxford), Ed Mitchem (back from travelling).

OUT: Jonny Wheater (full back, moved to Bedford), Joe Collins (centre, moved to Cheltenham), James Elwood (fly half, moved to London), Jimi Collis (No 8, Bournemouth).

ONE TO WATCH: James Lamb.

LAST SEASON: 5th.

PREDICTION: Mid-table.

Grove hope former Miami Dolphins player John Gerring will shine for them this season.

Gerring, a wing or full back, has shown potential in training, after converting from American football.

IN: Charlie Young (wing, Blue Boar), Andrew Hieghton (prop, High Wycombe), Jessie Godwin (full back, Australia), Johnny Nedelkoff (scrum half), Dylan Davies (centre, Newport HSOB), John Gerring (full back/wing, American football), Mark Boler (scrum half, University of Portsmouth), Grant Morris (centre, Bedworth), Gereth Thomas (back row).

OUT: Ben Nicholl (utility player, Oxford Harlequins), Nick Sevier (full back, Oxford Harlequins), Robin Smith (prop, Swindon).

ONE TO WATCH: John Gerring.

LAST SEASON: 8th.

PREDICTION: Mid-table.

Bicester may struggle after securing promotion.