RUGBY

From the archive, first published Friday 15th Apr 2005.

Chinnor aim to break Alliance's grip CHINNOR and Henley Hawks Alliance have issued contrasting team bulletins as they go into the Oxfordshire Cup final at Iffley Road, Oxford tomorrow (3.30).

While Chinnor are at full strength, Henley's resources are stretched to the limit.

Chinnor, who will be led by former Henley prop Simon Matthews, have James Hewitt at full back with Charlie Oyabade on the wing.

"We know it will be a severe test for us," said Chinnor head coach John Brodley.

"It is made all the harder as so many of our players have turned out for the Saracens club recently when they were coached by the now new director of rugby at Henley - John Lambden.

"He knows our players well and will ensure that his new club are expertly prepared.

"We are looking forward to the contest immensely."

Qualification regulations for the cup mean that the Alliance will not be able to call on all the players who have played for them at least three times in the season because of involvement in National League games.

However, they are able to include the talented trio Luke Burns, Dave Archer and Steve Drake, supported by the experience of Rusty Osman and captain Ben Glossop as well as other established Henley players such as Matt Harding, Jon Stebbings and James Street.

Dan Batty, the Alliance coach, said: "We are down to the bare bones for this final as far as players are concerned. We have only 20 who are fit and eligible to play this Saturday."

It's a repeat of last year's semi-final when Chinnor ran out 19-7 winners, before losing to Oxford Harlequins in the final.

The big match is preceded by the Oxfordshire Plate final between Littlemore and Wallingford at the same venue (12.30).

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