OXFORDSHIRE will hold an open training session next week as they seek to avoid pulling out of the County Championship Shield.

Any player club coaches believe to be of county standard is encouraged to attend the event, which will provisionally take place at Gosford All Blacks RFC on Wednesday, April 18.

The move, decided by Oxfordshire RFU’s executive, comes ahead of the team’s first match on April 28.

Playing chairman Rob Walsh said: “The county jersey must have value and must continue to be an honour to wear.

“We shall be establishing benchmark playing standards and if the available players do not meet these then we shall be forced to withdraw.

“We are not in the business of exposing players to a challenge that may be beyond their capabilities.”

  • CHINNOR’S National Colts Cup run ended in a battling 42-10 semi-final defeat at holders Bedford.

Bedford led 30-3 at the break, but Chinnor rallied with under 17 fly half George Grosse kicking a penalty and converting a try from lock Henry McMaster.

Coach Andy Millburn praised the players’ character and the travelling support.

He said: “That was the first try Bedford had conceded in five games and six of their side had played in the first team.”