RUGBY UNION: Alchester tipped to go up (From Oxford Mail)

RUGBY UNION: Alchester tipped to go up

10:30am Thursday 9th September 2010 in

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BB&O Premier Division previews

Alchester should mount a strong challenge for the title after an impressive debut competitive season.

The Oxfordshire Shield winners have set themsleves a top-four target, but this may be quite conservative.

Alchester have added 13 players to their ranks, 12 who have previously appeared for rivals Bicester.

These include lock Matt Dye, fly half Tom Barnes and hooker Gareth Evans.

Alchester are also entering a second team into league action for the first time.

IN: Louis Byrne (lock/flanker), Gareth Evans (hooker), George Merry (lock), Matt Swales (scrum half), Matt Dye (lock), Craig Harris (flanker), Tom Barnes (fly half), Dan Barnes (wing/centre), Robin Tyreman (full back), Pat Coogan (fly half), Ollie Harris (lock), Luke Kelly (scrum half, all ex-Bicester), Joe Fawcett (flanker, Bradford & Bingley).

OUT: Tom Mayfield (utility back , Leighton Buzzard).

LAST SEASON: 6th.

PREDICTION: Promotion.

Bicester will be looking to regroup after their disastrous season last time out.

Having lost all 22 of their matches in 2009-10, it will be important to start well.

They have promoted a number of Colts, while retaining experienced players like Steve Risbridger and Dan Spencer.

IN: Tim Phipps (lock, Sidmouth), Dominic Southey (fly half/centre), Alex Benjamin (front row), Matthew Lambourne (full back), Daniel Horwood (front row), Tom Horwood (lock/prop), Aidan James (forward), Jake Swayer (flanker), Josh Bramley (wing), David Aslett (wing/full back), Samuel White (front row), Matthew Clark (back row), Mark Cullen (wing, all ex-Bicester Colts).

OUT: Gareth Evans (hooker), Matt Dye (lock), Craig Harris (flanker), Tom Barnes (fly half, all Alchester), Will Clayton (lock, Oxford Harlequins), Andrew Morris (Stamford).

LAST SEASON: 12th (Southern Counties North). PREDICTION: Top four.

Gosford All Blacks have ten new players as they bid to climb the table.

Coach Andy Baulch said: “Realistically we are aiming for a mid-table position.

“We have been enjoying the influx of some new young players who are enjoying the challenge of competing for places in our senior teams.”

IN: Dave Barker (lock, ex-Bicester), Leon Astley (lock), Barry Dier (lock), Dan Howells (back row), Rory Gratwohl (back row, Cokethorpe School), Matt Stalker (centre), Amro Karim (centre), Harry O’Rourke (centre), Jonathan MacAneaney (Streatham & Croydon), Neil McReynolds (Portadown, Northern Ireland).

OUT: None.

LAST SEASON: 9th PREDICTION: Survival.

Wheatley were due to be in the BB&O Premier Division, but have pulled out of league rugby and will play friendlies.

They were reluctantly promoted after finishing third in BB&O Division 1 North and felt they would not be able to compete at this level.