With the season near its midway point and the prospect of matches this weekend bleak, now seems a good time for a half-term report.

If Oxfordshire’s rugby clubs were marked out of ten for their performances so far in 2009-10, how would they fare?

My answer comes in the table below.

Henley Hawks’ form has improved of late, but having targeted a top-four spot in National 2 South, they are well below their own expectations.

However, they have enough strength in their squad to keep climbing the table.

Third place in National 3 South West represents a reasonable return for Chinnor after last season’s relegation.

They have, however, been well-beaten at home by Taunton and Old Patesians, which shows they are a long way off the promotion pace.

Having been fortunate to escape relegation last year, Oxford Harlequins have emerged as a real force.

They could have ended 2009 in third had the cold weather not intervened and have still to host the top two.

Six wins in a row have totally changed the complexion of Wallingford’s season, which now appears fairly positive.

There are still doubts about their squad depth.

Witney seem to have found the consistency they lacked and have lost just once in Southern Counties North.

Grove have mounted a spirited title challenge and have plenty of try-scoring potential.

Chipping Norton started well, but have struggled since, although they should still finish mid-table or better.

Bicester appear to be in disarray and only a solitary cup win prevents a lower mark.

Having finished 2009 top of Midlands 2 East South, Banbury have shown enough to suggest they can stay there.

After a slow start in the BB&O Premier, Oxford are now on course for promotion in their centenary season.

Alchester are making a really good fist of their debut competitive campaign and could still reach Twickenham in the Senior Vase.

Gosford All Blacks have proved themselves competitive in their league and had several close defeats.

Harwell have struggled massively and are only off the bottom because of Abingdon’s points deduction.

Abingdon have been slightly better and will vie with Harwell for survival.

Wheatley have made a solid start in BB&O 1 North from where promotion is possible.

Littlemore have reached the Southern Counties final of the Junior Vase.

Didcot have been inconsistent in BB&O 2 South after last season’s relegation.

RATINGS

Witney - 9

Banbury - 9

Oxford Harlequins - 8.5

Grove - 8.5

Oxford - 8

Alchester - 8

Chinnor - 7

Wallingford - 7

Wheatley - 7

Littlemore - 7

Henley Hawks - 6

Chipping Norton - 6

Gosford All Blacks - 5

Didcot - 4

Bicester - 2

Abingdon - 2

Harwell - 1