There may be nothing at stake leaguewise, but Chinnor and Oxford Harlequins will be hell-bent on victory in their derby clash at Kingsey Road tomorrow.
Hosts Chinnor have had the upper hand over their Oxfordshire rivals this season.
They not only stand five places and 23 points better off in National 3 South West, but also won 32-12 at Oxford early this season.
But Chinnor’s director of rugby, Jason Bowers, is taking nothing for granted.
Bowers, who names an unchanged squad: “We’ve had two five-pointers in a row, but that counts for nothing in a local derby where form goes out the window.
“Quins are a strong side and have an exciting backline which we’ll have to keep an eye on.”
His Oxford Harlequins counterpart, John Brodley, said: “While the league table suggest that Chinnor have been the more consistent side this season, form in a local derby is difficult to predict.
“It’s a matter of local bragging rights, which brings that extra pressure.
“We’ve achieved one of our season’s aims by reaching the Oxfordshire Cup final (where they will meet Chinnor or Grove), but it would also lift spirits to put one over our local rivals.”
Centre Martin Nutt took a bang to the cheek during Quins’ 31-13 victory over Oxford University Greyhounds in Wednesday night’s Oxfordshire Cup semi-final ,but is expected to be fit.
Quins are fielding a stronger line-up than that which crashed 42-17 at home to Redingensians on Saturday.
Scrum half Anthony Cope (calf strain) and lock Alan Purchase (ankle strain) have recovered from injury, while Graham Crapper returns at full back.
Oxford University lock Tom Evans continues as Henley Hawks captain for their home game with National 2 South basement boys Newbury.
Scrum half James Gaunt, who led the side before missing last week’s match due to Oxford University coaching commitments, returns on the bench.
Witney, who ended a long run without a win in South West 1 East by thrashing Wimborne 64-5, are unchanged for the visit of Buckingham.
TOMORROW'S LINE-UPS
Henley Hawks (v Newbury, home): Allen Haynes, Turner, Wells, Baggett, Comben, Drake, Hadfield, Brennan, Penny, Evans (capt), Giles, Carson, Holloway, Stradwick. Reps from: Gentilli, Fuller, Long, Gaunt, Molloy, Bart.
Chinnor (v Oxford Harlequins): from Williams, Corpe, Goode, Angell, Morgan, Chase, Hopwood, Stock, Tattersall, Win-penny (capt), Devine, Smith, Jackman, Hastings, Rixon. Reps: Prescott, Ludgate, Blewitt.
Oxford Harlequins (v Chinnor): Crapper, Jones, Andre, Nutt, Burn, Stewart, Cope, Chadbone (capt), Clarke, Barlow, Boyle, Purchase, Newman, Knapp, Welburn. Reps from: Eckert, Delange, Maspero, Young, Todd.
Witney (v Buckingham home): H Lamb, Thomas, Collins, J Lamb (capt), Monks, Dubost, G Campbell, Richens, Fuller, Calley, Fowler, Copperwheat, Hicks, C Campbell, J Rowles. Reps: Muller, Bibby, Burke.
Wallingford (v Bletchley, away): Smith, Turner, Collett, Windsor, Kelly, Brettell, Viljoen, Marsh, Blaszko, Jenkins, Rowberry, Jenkins, Hill, Holton, Jeffreys. Reps: Wiltshire, Chapman, Lavers.
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