CHINNOR head coach Jason Bowers has warned his players they face another big physical battle when they visit Newton Abbot in National 3 South West tomorrow.

Promotion-chasing Chinnor withstood a huge test to draw 22-22 at rivals Redingensians last week, which means two victories will guarantee them a play-off spot.

But Bowers stressed it would not get easier for them down in Devon.

“The game at Redingensians was arguably the most physical I have seen for a long time,” said Bowers.

“We stood up fantastically well to come away with a good result.

“We have a tough trip this weekend as Newton Abbot at home are a decent side.

“They have pushed Bournemouth and Redingensians hard at their place and we’ll have to be on our game to put in another big performance.

“This week will present a similar physical challenge.”

Chinnor have six players facing fitness tests.

Bowers has added hooker Alan Cawston, prop Ian Stock, lock Tom Mowbray, flanker Ed Vickers, scrum half Ricky Hopwood, plus centres Trevor Powell and Jack Green to his squad.

Should they reach a play-off, it looks like Chinnor would host Ampthill, who are second in National 3 London & South East, on April 28.

But Bowers said: “That’s two weeks off. We need to take each game as it comes.”

Oxford Harlequins visit Barnstaple knowing they can guarantee survival if results go their way.

Should Quins grab a bonus-point victory and either Old Redcliffians or Amersham & Chiltern fail to win, that should be enough for the Oxford club as their rivals play each other in the final game.

Huw Jones returns at left wing in place of the unavailable Frank Mayfield, while Nick Gardner starts ahead of Charlie Sammut at blindside flanker.

Quins manager Steve Chadbone said: “Nick came on against Amersham and made a massive impact.

“The plan will be to use Charlie in that role this week.”

He added: “We are hoping that Exmouth can pummell Amersham and Redingensians beat Old Redcliffians and that we get a result at Barnstaple, which is probably the easier of the three fixtures.

“We are totally happy with the players and our form. It is top-four form.

“If we win on Saturday, that could be enough.

“We are in quietly confident mood.”

TOMORROW'S TEAMS

Chinnor (v Newton Abbot, away): from Winpenny (capt), Stock, Tattersall, Cawston, Pickett, Smith, Mowbray, Jackman, Hastings, Waddingham, Gilbert, Harrison, Vickers, Jones, Hopwood, Cathcart, Goode, Stoop, Powell, Green, Gray, Chase, Seymour, Colver.

Oxford Harlequins (v Barnstaple, away): Nutt, Pepiol, Jelly, Tevita, Jones, Smith, Cosins, Steventon, Chadbone (capt), Hall, Brown, Forde, Gardner, Vaiom’ounga, Powell, Reps: Edney, Rees, Sammut.