Match Preview

Wheatley host Chipping Norton in the Oxfordshire Shield as they continue in their quest of returning to Iffley road for the 4th time in a row*.

Chipping Norton are no strangers to Wheatley, having been in the same league for the last 3 seasons with the last meeting coming in the second match of season, where Wheatley held off a second half resurgence from Chippy, winning 14-16. The last meeting in the cup back in 2014 was also a nervy affair and required a Gav Stanton penalty to progress 8-7. Since week two, both teams have been enjoying success on the pitch and are currently the 2nd and 3rd teams in the BBO championship, with Chippy sitting in 3rd with 3 losses (Wheatley, Aldermarston and Littlemore) to Wheatley's singular loss.

Wheatley will look to build on their strong away trip to Aldermarston, whereas Chippy will be looking to bounce back from a narrow 10-13 loss at home to Littlemore and always, a big performance will be needed if Wheatley want to make it back to their second home on Iffley road.

A big day requires a big team, and a big team is what you'll get!

Leading from the front and managing to pull himself away from the toilet bowl is Captain Alex Acklam, whilst Pete Mitchell is with keeping the overflowing optimism of his front row partner, Alex Gabbidon, under control. No surprises that Nick Banton and Matt Gibb will Bunker down in the engine room. with Ollie Kenworthy unavailable, Caillin Taylor returns to the back row alongside Dan Bland. Jack Atkinson starts at number 8 after missing last week through illness, although is not fully over his case of moaningitis.

Whilst normality is retained in the forwards, chaos reigns in the back line as Wheatley bring in 3 players and make 2 positional changes. Leading points scorer Aaron Laman returns to the fold having missed last week, as Andy Willis also returns, replacing Duncan Dingle at fly half. Brother of the debased former captain Poochie, Joe Hobdell starts at 12, alongside last weeks stand in 10, Josh Hillsdon, who adds another number to his shirt collection. The quick feet of Iain Downer returns to his usual Full back berth after his run at 12 last week and will again have the support of Adam Muir and Dan Rule completing the back three.

It seems to be said a lot recently, but this is another huge game in Wheatley's season. Despite hosting Chippy in the league 7 days later, this is a cup game and there are no do overs, no second chances and all 20 purple men will leave everything on the field.

*Ok, so one of those Finals was at Witney, but you that's not as dramatic