Previews - BB&O Premier Division

Former Chinnor coach John Brodley is hoping to mastermind Oxford's promotion after taking charge of the team.

Brodley joined the city's rugby partnership last season, and will now be concentrating much of his effort on the Oxford team.

He replaces Kevin Jones as coach and is also running a new academy with returning coach John Gunter.

Brodley said: "The principle aim for the Oxford arm of the partnership is to gain promotion this year.

"It is my aim to use as many young players as possible from the academy, although not ignoring the need for some committed experience."

They have recruited heavily from Oxford Harlequins, but may suffer from not having an official second team.

As well as promotion, they are targeting the EDF Energy Senior Vase fourth round and winning the Oxfordshire Shield.

IN: Ed Fernyhough (hooker, Leicester University), Elio Recchia (back), Paul Molyneux (prop), James Knox (lock) Nick Graham (back row), Adam Thompson (fly half), Johnny Wilson (full back), Mark Dixon (back row) (all Oxford Harlequins), Mark Herbert (back row, Nottingham University), Ben Badcock (lock, New Zealand), Pierre Lafayedney (scrum half, Oswestry, ex-Oxford University Under 21), John Brodley (coach), John Gunter (coach, Grove), Eddie Du Toit (strength and conditioning coach).

OUT: Luke Wilkins (scum half, Portsmouth), Martin O'Callaghan (lock), Tom Johnson (centre, Oxford Harlequins), Ed Mitchell (prop, Oxford Harlequins), Neil Walker (back row), Kevin Jones (coach).

LAST SEASON: 4th

GRUDGE MATCH: Littlemore.

PREDICTION: Promotion

Bicester have lost one coach to Chinnor in Andy Baulch, but welcome back Mark Johnson, who began last season in tandem with Baulch.

Captain Steve Risbridger says they would love to repeat their Oxfordshire Shield victory and gain promotion at the third time of asking.

IN: Will Morris, Andy Morris (both Swansea University), Adrian Teakeo (Wheatley), Steve Mansell (Abingdon), Mark Johnson (coach).

OUT: James Shouler (lock, long term injury), Andy Baulch (coach, Chinnor).

LAST SEASON: 3rd.

GRUDGE MATCH: Old Richians.

PREDICTION: Top four.

Tim Darby takes over the captaincy from Frazer McCairns as Abingdon target the top half.

Abingdon have lost forwards Steven Mansell and Steven Bray, but Darby remains upbeat.

He said: "We have had a fantastic input of new players this season, mainly from our numerous advertisement campaigns.

"These players include an ex Tadley first team skipper plus several players from the local Army barracks.

"We are looking at finishing high mid-table. We threw away several games last year and should have finished there.

"We know what to expect now and are ready for a more competitive season."

IN: tbc.

OUT: Steven Mansell (Bicester), Steven Bray (Oxford).

LAST SEASON: 10th

GRUDGE MATCH: Broadmoor Staff.

PREDICTION: Survival.

Gosford All Blacks have a new physio in Dan Golder, while Nathan Brooks (forwards) and Tom Copeland (backs) remain their coaching team.

They hope to have more competition for places now their second team is just one league below, while they should have a more regular third team.

Spokesman Marc Grant said: "We have a lot of work to do as a club this year, and feel that although we'd like to push for the top spot in the league, we are realistic that perhaps this year is too soon.

"Given the number of new players, an upper mid table finish would be more likely for the first team, while we rebuild and re-structure."

IN: tbc.

OUT: None.

LAST SEASON: 8th

GRUDGE MATCH: Bicester.

PREDICTION: Struggle.