KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP ONE

OXFORD RL need to get better in every department of their game for Sunday’s trip to Hemel Stags.

That is the view of captain Alex Thompson as Oxford bid to bounce back from their 54-12 defeat at Rochdale Hornets and stay in the top six for a play-off spot.

“It is a must win, and we have got to improve in all areas of our game,” said Thompson.

“We need to start playing 100 per cent from the start and not just in ten-15 minute spells.

“Hemel are a new side to the league like us. They have been going well and have adapted to the league well.”

Oxford battled back from 18-4 down to pip Hemel 23-22 at Iffley Road in their first fixture.

Jonny Leather faces a fitness test on his hamstring after coming off at Rochdale.

Andrew Hoggins comes back into the squad after being away on international duty with Germany last weekend.

He played and scored the first try in a 66-30 defeat to Italy in Karlsruhe.

Dave Ellison (broken cheekbone) misses out as does Al Blewitt due to a back injury sustained in a recent car accident.

Oxford head coach Tony Benson said: “It is an important game for us, I’m looking to see how we respond after last weekend.

“We need to get back on track and start to pick up some points to get into the play-offs, which was one of our aims at the start of the season.

“Hemel are a tough side who have been playing well.

“They are a team with some dual-registered players, but have a squad who have been together for a while.”

Oxford RL: from Leather, Halliwell, Morris, S Robinson, Connick, B Robinson, V Bentley, Roden, Hadden, Osborn, Hoggins, Johnson, Clough, Baird, Thompson (capt), Clarke, Calladine, Fiander, Burch, Crabtree, Morrison, Morris.