RUGBY UNION: Chippy boost coach ranks (From Oxford Mail)

RUGBY UNION: Chippy boost coach ranks

11:00am Friday 7th September 2012 in Sport By Ed Mezzetti, Sports reporter specialising in Rugby, Cricket and Athletics. Call me on 01865 425456

League previews

CHIPPING Norton have recruited two new coaches as they prepare for the BB&O Premier Division campaign, starting at Stow-on-the-Wold tomorrow.

Former London Irish player Steve Corley has taken over forward coaching alongside stalwart Steve Holland.

Ex-Bicester head coach Alec Smith is now running Chipping Norton’s back line.

Geoff Flather continues as captain, hoping to improve on last season’s third place.

And they will do so with three new players in back-row forward Tom Phillip, scrum Ed Jones and wing/full back George Williamson.

Gosford All Blacks head coach Matt Watts says his players are fighting fit ahead of the new season.

Fitness supremo Nick Evans has been working with Gosford’s players every Tuesday and Thursday.

Watts said: “Nick has made a real difference and the squad is much fitter this season.

“Our two pre-season matches have been full of positive rugby ending with us scoring 53 points against Minety on Saturday.”

Gosford, who visit Princes Risborough, are hoping for big things from scrum half Tim Sutton, who has shone on the sevens circuit.

Harwell , who open up at Phoenix, will be captained by Robert Douglas, the son of stalwart prop Jim Douglas, who died three years ago on the morning of his last game.

Didcot , who travel to Faringdon, are targeting a mid-table finish in the BB&O Championship after coming ninth last season.

Their one signing is wing/full Josh Witts from Wallingford Colts.