10:00am Thursday 9th September 2010
By Ed Mezzetti
Southern Counties North previews
Grove coach Nathan Brooks is happy to talk up their promotion chances ahead of the new Southern Counties North season.
And with several leading players returning to the club from university, he may have a point.
Grove finished last season in third place and Brooks said they have the potential to be champions this time around.
He said: “We have one of the most exciting teams to watch in the county and the addition of quality players returning from university will make Grove the team to beat in Southern Counties North.”
Colts Martin Walsh and Chris Clare have progressed to the first team, while returning prop Richard Keen will strengthen the pack.
Brooks said: “Joe Bellinger will be one of the best players in the whole league, but Martin Walsh, Chris Clare and Harry Carr will also make a huge impact this season.”
IN: Joe Bellinger (back row/lock, UWIC), Tim Lane (prop, Newcastle University), Harry Carr (wing, Hartpury College), Tom Clipsham (centre, UWIC), James Field (lock, returning), Richard Keen (prop, Brighton).
OUT: Steve Maryon (lock, retired), Dave Maryon (utility back, Reading Abbey), Terry Eltham (prop, Littlemore).
LAST SEASON: 3rd.
PREDICTION: Vying for promotion.
Oxford have bolstered their pack as they bid to compete at a higher level.
Props Alex Klimou and Harry Picton-Turbervill, hooker Alex Henk and flanker James Shepherd have all joined last season’s BB&O Premier Division runners-up.
They will find life a lot tougher in this league, but are good enough to stay up.
IN: Alex Klimou (prop, Oxford Brookes), Harry Picton-Turbervill (prop, Oxford Brookes), Alex Henk (hooker, Chinnor/ Oxford Brookes), James Shepherd (flanker, Maidenhead).
OUT: None.
LAST SEASON: 2nd (BB&O Premier).
PREDICTION: Survival.
Chipping Norton should be good enough to avoid relegation, but cannot afford another mid-season slump.
LAST SEASON: 10th.
PREDICTION: Mid-table.
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