It has not been a vintage year for Oxfordshire rugby – and that is reflected in my Oxford Mail team of the season.
Four players come from a relegated club (Chinnor), while another six are from underperforming teams – Oxford Harlequins and Henley.
While all three sides have had several outstanding individuals, it was a lack of consistency that cost them.
Wallingford, who finished sixth in their first season in South West 2 East, were probaby Oxfordshire’s leading club on a ‘pound-for-pound’ basis.
All players were judged against the level they played at – and here is why they made it.
BACK THREE: Huw Jones could defend better, but as a running full back he scored some scintillating tries.
Ollie Campbell came to Quins as a hooker, but proved prolific as a winger. A real poacher who could finish joint-top of the South West 1 try-scoring charts.
Wallingford teenager Jackson Sayce could have made the team at wing or fly half. With a metronomic boot and no lack of pace, Sayce could go far.
CENTRES: Johnny Collett always did the basics well. A strong player who has kept improving as Wallingford climbed the leagues.
Witney’s James Lamb seems to have got over his injury problems and tackled like a machine. He was instrumental in their resurgence.
HALF-BACKS: Adam Smith is the only player to retain his place. An able play-maker, he scored a hatful of points.
Toby Prescott stood out for Chinnor with his pace and tenacity, often behind a pack that struggled. He was always prepared to be positive.
FRONT ROW: Hugo Milford-Scott was not a guaranteed starter for Henley Hawks, but was a force to be reckoned with in the matches I watched.
Many saw Arthur Ellis as the best hooker in National 3 South. The on-loan Wasps teenager showed great vision to go with his set-piece skills.
England Under 20 and Wasps’ first team commitments restricted Bob Baker’s appearances for Chinnor, but he still made his presence felt.
SECOND ROW: Adam Pearson proved Quins’ stand-out forward with his line-out skills and surprising pace.
Bert Payne was a tower of strength in Oxford University’s Varsity Match campaign and carried that form through with Chinnor.
BACK ROW: Sean Bannister always added energy, aggression and an eye for a try.
Unlike many of their teammates, Stean Williams and Matt Payne stuck with Henley after last season’s relegation.
Both showed their class with several inspirational and consistent displays. They will be crucial if Henley are to progress next year.
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