South West 1 East preview

Witney have six players returning to their ranks as they step up to for the new season.

Last year’s Southern Counties North champions open their campaign at home to Marlow on Saturday hopeful of making their mark at a higher level.

Forwards Will Worrall, Marc and Adam Copperwheat, plus backs Tom Harper, Will Bibby and Phil Gouldie have all rejoined the Hailey Road club.

Witney’s success in 2009-10 was based around supreme commitment and organisation, with head coach Phil Harper suggesting they had finally gelled after three years of hard work.

If they can maintain this intensity, they should be fine in South West 1 East, but may lack ‘match-winners’.

IN: Marc Copperwheat (lock/back row), Tom Harper (centre/fly half), Will Bibby (utility back, all from university), Will Worrall (back row, travelling), Adam Copperwheat (hooker, Ampthill), Phil Gouldie (wing/full back, university), Tom Alcraft (scrum half, Chiswick), Mark Mansfield (fly half, Enfield Ignatians).

OUT: Mark Serle (prop, retired).

LAST SEASON: Champions, Southern Counties North.

PREDICTION: Mid-table.

Wallingford enter a new era under director of rugby Martin Moran, who has taken over from coach Chris Norrington.

Moran, who wants to improve on the sixth place they have achieved in the last two years, said: “We are trying to develop a brand of rugby that spectators will enjoy watching.”

Wallingford will have added creativity with the return of fly half Henry Pooler, while lock Paul Lewis is back after a long-term injury.

Flanker Matt Chapman returns from a spell at Henley and starts in tomorrow’s opener against Amersham & Chiltern.

Morgan said the club’s other targets including blooding young players and improving their infrastructure.

IN: Dan Stalker, Steve Grant (both Abingdon), Henry Pooler (fly half), Paul Lewis (lock, injury), Matt Chapman (flanker, Henley Hawks).

OUT: Danny Burns (scrum half, Chinnor).

LAST SEASON: 6th.

PREDICTION: Top four.