Last week’s try brace has not been enough for Oxford Harlequins lock Adam Pearson to keep his place at home to Barnstaple tomorrow (2.30).
Pearson, who bagged a double in Quins’ 54-7 victory at Maidenhead, is replaced by Andy Boyle for the National 3 South West clash, indicating the strength in depth they now have.
Captain Simon Chadbone continues at hooker, with regular No 2 Dave Needham on the bench after returning from holiday.
Ed Davies retains his place at flanker, while Huw Jones comes in for Xavier Andre (twisted ankle) on the wing.
Director of rugby John Brodley said: “We played extremely well at Maidenhead, especially in the first half, where we off-loaded the ball really well.
“We faltered in the last 15 minutes, which I let the players know I was disappointed with.
“It will be a really tough game this week. We drew at their place after leading 19-7 and we don’t want that to happen again.”
Chinnor visit Cleve, hoping to stay in the race for third place.
Scrum half James Gaunt replaces No 8 Matt Payne as captain for Henley Hawks’ home game with National 2 South title hopefuls Ealing Trailfinders.
Payne has stepped down after his recent court case, but returns at No 8.
Jack Shaylor takes over from Jayde Cruickshank on the left wing.
Hugo Gentilli and Alex Penny take over as props in place of Rowan Fuller and James Hadfield.
Wallingford have three fly-halves in their squad for the trip to Wiltshire side Trowbridge in South West 1 East.
Angus Brettell starts, with Pete Strang and Jackson Sayce on the bench.
Head coach Chris Norrington said: “On paper, this is one of the toughest games we have got left.
“But we are up for it and we will be disappointed if we don’t win.”
Witney’s title credentials should best tested by a Southern Counties North derby at home to Chipping Norton.
Oxford Harlequins (v Barnstaple, home): Crapper, Nutt, Cope, Maley, H Jones, Sewell, Haydon, Eckert, Chadbone (capt), DeLange, Boyle, Cross, Newman, Davies, Welburn. Reps: Needham, Pearson, Noyce.
Chinnor (v Cleve, away): from Wallace, Serrano, B Hewitt, Stoop, Chase, R Williams, Cathcart, Prescott, Winpenny, Cawston, Pickett, Webster, Whelan, Stock, Hutchings (capt), Jackman, Hastings, Jones, Mowbray, Ramsdale.
Henley Hawks (v Ealing Trailfinders, home): Haynes, Jones, Wells, James, Shaylor, Fulton, Gaunt (capt), Gentilli, Dalgleish, Penny, Clements, Green, Hennings, Thompson, M Payne. Reps from: Fuller, Hadfield, Matthews, Stradwick, Comben, Davies/Cruickshank.
Wallingford (v Trowbridge, away): Venners, Smith, Collett, Holton, R Turner, Brettell, Viljoen, Blaszko, Hill, Small, McKenna, Rowberry, W Woodward, Chapman, Jeffreys (capt). Reps: Marris, Strang, Sayce.
Witney (v Chipping Norton, home): from Mitchem, Monks, Lambourne, J Lamb (capt), Strutt, L Collins, H Lamb, G Campbell, Burke, Fuller, S Collins, Richens, C Bennett, J Hicks, Muller, MacBurnie, C Campbell, Fowler.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel