Oxfordshire coach John Brodley has warned his side they will have to step up a gear if they are to make a dream appearance at Twickenham in the final of the Tetley's County Shield.

After convinicing wins over Bucks and Dorset & Wilts to top Pool 3, Oxfordshire face Hampshire at Basingstoke in the semi-final on Saturday (May 17, 3pm).

The winners will play North Midlands or Northumberland in the final at Twickenham a week tomorrow.

Brodley said: "I'm thrilled with the team's progress, but being the away team and not having been in this situation before, means we will not go into the game as favourites," he said.

"Being the underdogs does not worry us too much, because I think the teams will be very closely matched.

"On league form, they are slightly stronger, but I am sure our boys are capable of stepping up a level which is what they are going to have to do.

"The spine of their pack come from Havant, who played in National 3 last season, and are sure to be more physical than our previous two opponents.

"Our forwards will have to be more secure in their presentation of the ball, and we will have to be more clinical in our finishing.

"We have got a very young side - 18 of our 22-strong squad are under 25. But the experience of the forwards in players such as loose head prop Simon Matthews and captain Paul Hennessy produces a successful mix."

Brodley keeps the same line-up as that which started last week's 34-15 win against Dorset & Wilts.

This means that Oxford Brookes University's Matt Hutchinson, who came in at the last minute, retains his place at lock.

Oxon do look slightly short of second row cover. In the event of injury, flanker Jamie Cope will move forward, which should do no harm to the pack's mobility, especially with either David Seymour or Tom Johnson coming off the bench.

There are four Osman brothers in the Hampshire back division. They are well known to Brodley, as three of them - Russ, Phil and Tim - have been long-time members of Henley. The fourth brother, Nick, plays at Newbury.

"We're hoping to expose any defensive frailties there may be," said Brodley.

The home side's main attacking threat is Portsmouth's Australian winger Grant Erskine, who rang rings around Somerset in their final pool match.

"Although we're underdogs, I genuinely believe we'll win, and that would do wonders for rugby in the county," said Brodley.