After their win against Harwell last time out, Wheatley find themselves up against familiar rivals Abingdon in the semi-final of the Oxfordshire Shield. Last year’s runners up will be looking to shake off last week’s defeat by Gosford All blacks and beating Abingdon to reach 2 finals in 2 years will be the perfect chance.

The solid front three of Dougie Aris, Alex Acklam and James Knoll-Pollard start, with Captain Oliver Hobdell and Nick Banton providing the grunt in the second row. Sean O’Leary retains his place at blindside with Joe Hobdell coming back into the side at openside. Ben Ramsdale completes the back three.

Andy Tippet is now over the injury that has kept him out of the last few games and Flanker turned fly half Callum Jackson joins him in the half backs. Duncan Dingle replaces Pete Knipe at inside centre, with Seb Wilson also currently out and Adam Muir starts at outside centre. An Unchanged back three of Jack Smith, Josh Hillsdon and Michael Ridge complete the side.

Due to being a cup game, Wheatley can select a few more subs than usual and will look to Pete Mitchell, Jack Atkinson and Jim Shrimpton for forward cover, whilst Alfie Wood and Leon Westerman provide options in the backs

Forwards: D Aris, A.Acklam, J Knoll-Pollard, Oliver Hobdell (C), N Banton, J Hobdell, S O’Leary, B Ramsdale, P Mitchell, J Shrimpton, J Atkinson

Backs: A Tippet, C Jackson, J Smith, D Dingle, A Muir, M Ridge, J Hillsdon, A Wood, L Westerman