RUGBY: Oxon call on six of the best

From the Oxford Mail, first published Friday 5th May 2006.

John Brodley underlined Oxfordshire's strength in depth by making six changes for tomorrow's Pool 3 clash with Dorset & Wilts at Dry Leas (3).

The county coach was impressed with last week's 44-20 victory over Hampshire, but will be looking for even more at Henley.

Oxon include two National 1 players with Newbury and former Oxford Harlequins back Martin Nutt on the wing and teammate Kenny Bingham replacing the injured Anthony Cope at scrum half.

Brodley said: "I'm fielding a changed back line and back row, but keeping loyal to the formidable Chinnor front five, which caused so many problems for Hampshire.

"The team is led by Oxford Harlequins' Jamie Cope, who is playing his final game for a year in this country.

"Jamie is travelling to New Zealand on Thursday for a season down under.

"He is joined in the back row by teammate Paddy Soper with Raakai Maxwell moving to the bench from which I expect him to make a major impact later in the game.

"In the centre I have selected a tantilising combination of Andrew Henley from Oxford Harlequins to partner the silky Alex Wallace from Reading."

Nutt's inclusion means Chinnor's Jamie Hiscock drops to the bench despite scoring a brace of tries on his debut.

Dorset & Wilts narrowly lost 26-22 to Berkshire last week after leading at half-time, so should not be underestimated.

Team manager George Cady said: "Playing Oxfordshire this weekend will be a very different challenge.

"We are expecting them to field a lot of national league players and our lads will have to play competitively and with flair, as they have done all season for their clubs, to grind out a win.

"It is going to be a very tough game."

Oxfordshire (v Dorset & Wilts, home): J Hewitt (Chinnor), M Nutt (Newbury), A Wallace (Reading), A Henley, A Noyce (both Ox Harlequins), J Cathcart (Reading), K Bingham (Newbury), S Mathews, JP Immelman, R Harris, C Burrows, M Hutchins, E Rixon (all Chinnor), P Soper, J Cope (capt) (both Ox Harlequins. Reps: T Whelan (Chinnor), S Robinson (Henley), A Milburn (Chinnor), O Gustaffason (Ox Harlequins), J Hiscock (Chinnor).

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