Chinnor coach Jason Bowers says the preparations for next season start now following their relegation from National 3 South.

And tomorrow's trip to leaders Southend gives him the chance to assess whether some squad players could make the grade.

Bowers said: "We have a few unavailabilities, which is not great, but we've got to start preparing for next season, whatever league we find ourselves in.

"We are going to give guys an opportunity in the first team and see how they get on.

"To an extent, the pressure is off as we have been relegated, but they will still want to play a bit.

"At the end of the day, they are decent players and the goal is for them to go out and show what they can do."

Captain Matt Hutchings, flanker Pat Benson and fly half Richard Williams join the absentee list.

Phil Scott-Priestley is one of those who gets the chance to impress at No 8, as does Pip Seymour on the wing.

Centre James Hewitt returns from injury alongside Ed Orchard.

Oxford Harlequins are without captain Owen Gustafson (ankle) and scrum half Anthony Cope (holiday) for their South West 1 clash at struggling Clevedon.

Flanker Ali Halsall is also out with a leg injury, while Mark Dixon retains his place in the squad.

Scrum half Dom Shaw will make his first Henley Hawks' start as they continue their National 2 promotion push at Halifax.

Shaw replaces James Gaunt, who is unavailable, while Adam Slade makes his first appearance of 2007 at full back in place of Jim Farndon.

Last season's top try-scorer, winger Chris Simmons has recovered from a lingering hand injury, so takes over from Allan Gill.

Lock Rob Hurrell is back after a shoulder problem, so Matt Payne reverts to his favoured blindside flanker position.

Supersub Jon Tenconi is on the bench as is long serving prop Rowan Fuller.