CHINNOR kick-off 2022 with a friendly against Oxford University tomorrow evening.

The Thame-based outfit do not return to National League 1 action until next Saturday’s trip to Cinderford, so are making good use of this weekend with a live training session and match (kick-off 7pm).

Chinnor’s last scheduled Friday night fixture, at Rams on December 17, was postponed following a Covid outbreak in the Oxfordshire side’s squad.

It means they have not played since their 23-19 defeat to Bishop’s Stortford on December 11.

Richard Thorpe’s men, who sit sixth in the table, are the only National League 1 side without a game this weekend.

Elsewhere, Henley Hawks start the new year fifth in National 2 South ahead of Saturday’s trip to Hinckley.

Head coach Luke Allen makes two changes to the XV that started the 17-17 draw at Barnes before Christmas, with George Amphlett and Alex Harmes coming in.

First host third in South West 1 East, as Banbury Bulls take on Bracknell.

The leaders are five points clear of second-placed Oxford Quins in the table.

Quins are involved in a county derby this weekend, hosting Grove, while Witney welcome Beaconsfield.

In Southern Counties North, Gosford All Blacks are at home to Thatcham, Bicester visit Milton Keynes and Wallingford go to Reading.