Match Preview

Wheatley's first Oxfordshire Shield of the season in Northamptonshire against a team from Bicester.............

Wheatley face Alchester in the opening round of this years county shield competition, Alchester now an invitation team since they withdrew from the league structure a few seasons back have taken up residency at Brackley rufc as many of their former players now play for the Midland 4 east outfit.

Wheatley line up pretty strong with only two changes from last week, Luke Agius & Hugo are unavailable a slight re-shuffle sees Jordan Hook move to full back and Dave Thomas com on to the wing with Jack Taylor coming in at scrum Half

With the testosterone still pouring from the front row after taking 6 against the head against the all blacks last week the all familiar line up of Acklam, Mitchell and Gabbidon Smith and Atkinson resume their engine room partnership with Smith suffering from morning sickness last week and having to withdraw late on. we welcome Oli Kenworthy in to the back row at openside and the ever present Spencer Bailey (now a line out power house) remains at blindside with James Neal steering the chariot at 8.

Jack Taylor comes back in at 9 fresh from a weeks R&R at snuggle fest 2018 and links up with Aaron LAman at 10, Toby Butler and Sanda Mpanza continue in the centre and will be looking to re-establish the "connection" they found against Drifters, Josh Hillsdon and the matriarch Dave Thomas take the wings with Jordan Hook at full back,

Wheatley carry a full bench this week with Tam, Ez covering the front row Butler, Jake and Ruvern covering everywhere else.

Not very often we get to play in Northhants so lets relish the opportunity!