RUGBY: Twickenham is next stop

From the Oxford Mail, first published Monday 22nd May 2006.

Oxfordshire have won through to Twickenham after a stirring semi-final victory over East Midlands in the County Championship Plate.

Saturday's 27-10 win at Bedford Athletic means they will take on the combined team from Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire in the final on Bank Holiday Monday (May 29).

And having lost at the same stage in 2003, Oxon have a great chance to make amends three years on.

Despite trailing early on, tries from Jon Brooks, Kenny Bingham, Craig Burrows and a penalty try saw Oxfordshire eventually run out convincing winners.

County coach John Brodley said: "We are absolutely delighted to be returning to Twickenham and are aiming to avenge our loss against Northumberland a few years ago.

"I think we are going into it with a strong chance, so I'm really looking forward to it.

"It is a great end to what's been a terrific season as far as I'm concerned."

Brodley coached Chinnor to the South West 1 title last month and is now eyeing what would be a memorable double.

He added: "I think we've got a better team now than we did in 2003.

"We had players like John Goodridge and Dave Seymour then, but this team is better all-round.

"We are very much together as a squad of 28. It was a difficult decision to leave those six out as they have contributed so much."

Oxfordshire recovered from 10-3 down with a display of forward power that eventually caused their hosts to cave in.

No player was more involved in this than skipper Burrows.

The second row, who is also Chinnor captain, said: "Getting promotion from South West 1 was the priority season, but this is the icing on the cake.

"To lead the team out at Twickenham will be amazing. It will be a special day.

"The guys that have come in from the other clubs have just added a little bit extra for us.

"The team spirit has been excellent. It is the best I've experienced in a county side."

Burrows bagged Oxon's final try, but winger Kenny Bingham's score in the left corner completed the best move of the match.

He said: "I'm very excited to be playing at Twickenham. Hopefully we can play as we as we did today."

Full match coverage in tomorrow's Oxford Mail.