Match Preview

For the second time in 7 days, Wheatley welcome Chipping Norton to the Holton Play Fields as the attention turns back to the BBO Championship.

Last week saw a stellar performance from the guys in purple to win 45-5 and progress to the semi finals of the Oxfordshire Shield, however the league is the long term wife, where you have to perform every week (or night if you're lucky) to be rewarded, rather than the one night stand that is the cup and with both sides competing for promotion, we can expected another bruising encounter.

With last weeks performance making most people undroppable, only minimal changes have been made to the squad that faced Chippy last week.

It comes as no surprise that yet again the front row triumvirate will be Captain Alex Acklam, Pete Mitchell and the ever positive Alex Gabbidon, despite missing out on the number 10 shirt. Again. There are also no prizes for guessing that the second row will consist of Matt Gibb and veteran Nick Banton, who will be looking to add to his collection of Hen's teeth, rocking horse poo and Tries after last weeks performance. the back row also remains unchanged, with Caillin Taylor and Jack Atkinson at 6 and 8, whilst Dan Bland will be looking to impress in front of his friend who happens to be a girl at 7.

A largely unchanged back line is lead by recent point centurion Aaron Lamanstarting at 9, with Atkinson's tormentor, Andrew Willis outside him at 10. Jack Taylor returns to a starting berth, pulling on the number 12 shirt, whilst Joe 'the Pride of The' Hobdell starts outside him at 13. Josh Hillsdon moves from centre to his more familiar wing position and Dan Rule will start on the opposite wing. Iain Downer and his smashed snoz complete the starting line up at 15.

In what is becoming an alarming habit for Wheatley, a full bench is available and ready to make the impact when needed. Wheatley's very own Delia Smith, Simon Chadbone will provide front row (and back line after last weeks try...) cover alongside the returning James Neal who provides back row cover. Having returned from his month long trip to South Africa, Sanda Mpanza will start from the bench as Wheatley hope he hasn't contracted the deadly strain of Rugbycrapitis which is currently going around the country. Also on the menu is Jordan Hook, who will be looking to create another try that he can share 289 times on social media, whilst Jack Smith will try to convince everyone that he heard the word "dive" every time he gets near the try line.

Last week was a fantastic display of attacking and defensive Rugby from Wheatley, but the past is not now. As the saying goes, a wounded tiger is a dangerous beast and no one in the Wheatley team will be resting on last weeks result.