RUGBY UNION: Hutchings steps up

4:35pm Thursday 1st May 2008

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Chinnor captain Matt Hutchings will skipper Oxfordshire as they begin their County Championship Shield campaign against Cornwall at Redruth tomorrow.

Hutchings, who led Chinnor to the South West 1 title, is joined by eight clubmates, including wing Phil Huxford, in a strong-looking squad.

Also in the squad are Grove full back Nick Sevier, Banbury flanker Sean Bannister and former Banbury centre Matt Goode, who plays for Rugby Lions in National 3 North.

Coach John Brodley said: "The bulk of this side has been together for a number of years and that is a big plus for us.

"Matt Hutchings leads from the front and is a tremendous captain.

"He is highly respected by everyone and I have every faith in him getting the full potential out of this squad."

Oxon drew 22-22 with Cornwall at Chinnor last year, but will need one of their best ever performances if they are to avoid defeat this time.

Cornwall, one of the biggest names in county rugby, will be keen for promotion back to the top tier.

Their new coaches include Dave Thomas, who led Cornwall to the title in 1991.

Chinnor look set to form the core of Oxfordshire's pack, while Quins provide the scrum halves in Anthony Cope and Kenny Sewell.

Brodley added: "A year ago we drew and this time around we're hoping through the consistency of the last couple of years, and through players coming up through the under 20 ranks, we will have the edge.

"We obviously know Cornwall might well be able to draw some big-name players from the heavyweight clubs there, but we are feeling optimistic.

"Our aim is to stay in the Shield."

Oxfordshire: from Winpenny (Chinnor), Needham (Oxford Harlequins), Whelan (Chinnor), Eckert (Oxford Harlequins), Cawston (Chinnor), Hutchings (capt, Chinnor), Black (Chinnor), Pearson (Blue Boar), Rixon (Chinnor), Rowe (Oxford Harlequins), Bannister (Banbury), Cope (Oxford Harlequins), Sewell (Oxford Harlequins), Cathcart (Chinnor), Goode (Rugby Lions), Williams (Chinnor), Huxford (Chinnor), H Jones (Oxford Harlequins), Sevier (Grove).