JOHN Brodley has criticised the RFU for handing Oxfordshire an away draw in the County Championship Plate semi-finals.

The Oxon coach feels his side have been penalised by facing East Midlands at Bedford Athletic despite having the best record in the competition.

All three pool winners finished with 100 per cent records, but Oxon had the best points difference with plus 79 after scoring 21 tries.

Brodley said: "As the top performers, we really should be playing the best runners-up at home. It is ridiculous that we are away."

Last season Oxon were landed with away pool matches against Cumbria and Durham, so Brodley could be forgiven for thinking someone at Twickenham has it in for them.