Season preview

THERE is no doubting Grove’s ambition ahead of the new Southern Counties North season.

The South Oxfordshire club have signed former players James Eckert and Matt Young from Oxford Harlequins as well as recruiting Owen Gustafson – the former Quins and Chinnor scrum half.

Grove have a new head coach in Craig Burrows, the ex-Chinnor lock, who will be assisted by Nathan Brooks.

Asked for his side’s targets, Burrows replied: “It has to be promotion.”

Grove, who have lost wing Harry Carr to Chinnor, have promised much, but flattered to deceive for the past two seasons, but now have the squad to sustain a real challenge.

IN: James Eckert (prop), Matt Young (flanker, both Oxford Harlequins) and Owen Gustafson (scrum half, Oxford) OUT: Harry Carr (wing, Chinnor).

LAST SEASON: 6th.

PREDICTION: Top three.

New boys Alchester will be happy with a mid-table finish after two seasons of rapid progress.

They welcome back centre Jack Briggs and flanker George Symonds, but it remains to be seen whether their pack can prove as effective at a higher level.

Alchester opened their pre-season with a 20-7 victory over Chipping Norton, but the acid test comes against Milton Keynes on Saturday.

IN: Tom Alcraft (scrum half, Witney), Sam Butler (fly half, Wheatley), Jack Briggs (centre, Gosford All Blacks), George Symonds (flanker, Nuneaton).

OUT: Gareth Evans (hooker, Bicester), Steve Miller (full back, Buckingham).

LAST SEASON: 1st (BB&O Premier Division).

PREDICTION: Top half.

Wallingford have two new coaches as they seek to recover from last season’s relegation.

Former hooker Stuart Mount and fly half/centre Henry Pooler, who is recovering from injury, have taken over from Martin Moran, who has joined Chinnor.

Wallingford props Paul Lewis and Ed Jenkins have retired, while lock Mike Turner has joined National 3 South West side Redingensians.

Mount said: “With relegation, we have not managed to attract many players.

“However our commitment to our youth policy is beginning to show results.

“We have adopted a back-to-basics approach in an effort to re-energise the players.

“So far throughout pre-season it appears to have worked with good numbers and great enthusiasm.”

Mount said Wallingford hope to consolidate, but would not shy away from a promotion bid if they start well.

IN: Finn Sayce (former Colt).

OUT: Paul Lewis (prop), Ed Jenkins (prop, both retired due to injury), Mike Turner (lock, Redingensians).

LAST SEASON: 12th (South West 1 East). PREDICTION: Top six.