OXFORD Harlequins director of rugby John Brodley says they have a stronger team than last year, despite their poor start to the season.

Quins climbed out of the National 3 South West relegation zone after beating Bridgwater & Albion 21-17 on Saturday, but have still lost four of their opening six matches.

Brodley said: “Across the side, we actually feel we are stronger than we were last year.

“We have used 33 players in six games, which is not an ideal situation, although a lot of those are due to injury.

“We are looking for a period of stability. We should at least have all of Saturday’s squad available against Chinnor.”

Brodley added: “We have probably used 18 players who weren’t with us last season. That is the nature of rugby within this city.

“The turnover of players can be absolutely huge.

“Other than the two that have gone to Henley (Xavier Andre and Ryan Newman), the rest have left for genuine reasons.”

  • WALLINGFORD 3rd’s home BB&O Division 4 clash with Banbury 2nd was abandoned after injuries reduced the hosts to just 11 men.

Having started with 14 players, Anthony Dumper injured a wrist, Duncan Kitts broke a wrist and Niall Douglas cracked a shoulder bone.

Banbury led 14-0 when it was called off at half-time.