Rugby
RUGBY UNION: Hutchings steps up
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| Grove's Nick Sevier |
Chinnor captain Matt Hutchings will skipper Oxfordshire as they begin their County Championship Shield campaign against Cornwall at Redruth tomorrow.
Hutchings, who led Chinnor to the South West 1 title, is joined by eight clubmates, including wing Phil Huxford, in a strong-looking squad.
Also in the squad are Grove full back Nick Sevier, Banbury flanker Sean Bannister and former Banbury centre Matt Goode, who plays for Rugby Lions in National 3 North.
Coach John Brodley said: "The bulk of this side has been together for a number of years and that is a big plus for us.
"Matt Hutchings leads from the front and is a tremendous captain.
"He is highly respected by everyone and I have every faith in him getting the full potential out of this squad."
Oxon drew 22-22 with Cornwall at Chinnor last year, but will need one of their best ever performances if they are to avoid defeat this time.
Cornwall, one of the biggest names in county rugby, will be keen for promotion back to the top tier.
Their new coaches include Dave Thomas, who led Cornwall to the title in 1991.
Chinnor look set to form the core of Oxfordshire's pack, while Quins provide the scrum halves in Anthony Cope and Kenny Sewell.
Brodley added: "A year ago we drew and this time around we're hoping through the consistency of the last couple of years, and through players coming up through the under 20 ranks, we will have the edge.
"We obviously know Cornwall might well be able to draw some big-name players from the heavyweight clubs there, but we are feeling optimistic.
"Our aim is to stay in the Shield."
Oxfordshire: from Winpenny (Chinnor), Needham (Oxford Harlequins), Whelan (Chinnor), Eckert (Oxford Harlequins), Cawston (Chinnor), Hutchings (capt, Chinnor), Black (Chinnor), Pearson (Blue Boar), Rixon (Chinnor), Rowe (Oxford Harlequins), Bannister (Banbury), Cope (Oxford Harlequins), Sewell (Oxford Harlequins), Cathcart (Chinnor), Goode (Rugby Lions), Williams (Chinnor), Huxford (Chinnor), H Jones (Oxford Harlequins), Sevier (Grove).
4:35pm Thursday 1st May 2008
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CommentPosted by: P Winterbottom, Bird's eye view on 9:40am Fri 2 May 08
It seems that Ed M is not the only one who doesn't rate Loggerhead. After selecting him all season for the Oxford side, John Brodley does not even need him as back row cover for the county. Does the amphibian do his own marketing? Perhaps he only performs in midwinter when the pitches are flooded. Still, climate change is on his side, so one for the future?
It seems that Ed M is not the only one who doesn't rate Loggerhead. After selecting him all season for the Oxford side, John Brodley does not even need him as back row cover for the county. Does the amphibian do his own marketing? Perhaps he only performs in midwinter when the pitches are flooded. Still, climate change is on his side, so one for the future?
Posted by: Terry Huxford, New Zealand on 11:34am Fri 2 May 08
Viewing from a considerable distance it seems that no one can get it right over there. Why don't you get get Carol to pick the team, coach the team, and write all the reports? I'm thinking of getting her to help us over here in NZ to select the All Black's.
Viewing from a considerable distance it seems that no one can get it right over there. Why don't you get get Carol to pick the team, coach the team, and write all the reports? I'm thinking of getting her to help us over here in NZ to select the All Black's.
Posted by: Carol V, Opportunity knocks on 1:26pm Fri 2 May 08
Nice one Terry, when do I start? Although I have only been doing the numbers game and have minimal rugby knowledge, I believe this does stand me in good stead for a role with the ABs. But your message ended abruptly, the All Black's what? I think you are an impostor - no self respecting Kiwi would carelessly deposit an apostrophe in the sacred AB's name like that. And, I probably have a better view of Oxfordshire rugby from where I am. And, if I did select the AB's, this would be my team:
Smith (N)
Rokocoko
Henley
Smith (C)
Howlett
Penney
Cope (A)
Hayman
Oliver
de Lange
Payne
Stephenson
Cope (J)
Baxter
So'oialo
Subs: Winslade
Huxford (P)
Thanks for your interest in Oxon rugby though - I thought you were in the middle of Super 14 at them moment.
Nice one Terry, when do I start? Although I have only been doing the numbers game and have minimal rugby knowledge, I believe this does stand me in good stead for a role with the ABs. But your message ended abruptly, the All Black's what? I think you are an impostor - no self respecting Kiwi would carelessly deposit an apostrophe in the sacred AB's name like that. And, I probably have a better view of Oxfordshire rugby from where I am. And, if I did select the AB's, this would be my team:
Smith (N)
Rokocoko
Henley
Smith (C)
Howlett
Penney
Cope (A)
Hayman
Oliver
de Lange
Payne
Stephenson
Cope (J)
Baxter
So'oialo
Subs: Winslade
Huxford (P)
Thanks for your interest in Oxon rugby though - I thought you were in the middle of Super 14 at them moment.
Posted by: Giles B, Tory party hq on 4:18pm Fri 2 May 08
Dear Carol,
Long time no speak. Despite what you may think from my awful jumpers when we worked together I take an avid interest in Rugby and on surfing the web as one does, picked up your comments. Obviously I am not questioning your undoubted mathematical expertise but your knowledge of qualifications for international recognition seems to be poor (or perhaps you are playing those clever mind games of yours!) De Lange has a shiny green passport and the Cope boys are from these green and pleasant lands, although one may feel NZ is his adopted country.
Please can you read the NZRFU rule book on qualifying to play.
Yours Sincerely
GB
Dear Carol,
Long time no speak. Despite what you may think from my awful jumpers when we worked together I take an avid interest in Rugby and on surfing the web as one does, picked up your comments. Obviously I am not questioning your undoubted mathematical expertise but your knowledge of qualifications for international recognition seems to be poor (or perhaps you are playing those clever mind games of yours!) De Lange has a shiny green passport and the Cope boys are from these green and pleasant lands, although one may feel NZ is his adopted country.
Please can you read the NZRFU rule book on qualifying to play.
Yours Sincerely
GB
Posted by: Terry H, Antipodes on 11:27pm Fri 2 May 08
Thanks for your help Carol. I agree with some of your selections and will pass them on to G Henry.
I thought you might have found a spot for Andrew McGuire in there somewhere.
The Hurricanes are playing tonight so I will keep an eye on Rodney So’oialo and Conrad Smith for you.
Thanks also for your input Giles B. I would never judge a man by his jumper.
Some of these young players have a variety of passports to choose from.
Who is this P. Huxford, I must check the family tree and see if we are related.
Apologies for the bad grammar!
Ps: Keep up the good work Ed M. I really enjoy your excellent rugby reports.
Thanks for your help Carol. I agree with some of your selections and will pass them on to G Henry.
I thought you might have found a spot for Andrew McGuire in there somewhere.
The Hurricanes are playing tonight so I will keep an eye on Rodney So’oialo and Conrad Smith for you.
Thanks also for your input Giles B. I would never judge a man by his jumper.
Some of these young players have a variety of passports to choose from.
Who is this P. Huxford, I must check the family tree and see if we are related.
Apologies for the bad grammar!
Ps: Keep up the good work Ed M. I really enjoy your excellent rugby reports.
Posted by: Man in the Stand, The Stand on 11:12am Sat 3 May 08
I am positive that you do not have to pass a grammar test to be a self respecting Kiwi or support the AB's. Someone is definetly misinfomed. Oh .... I think that I just clicked, it was sarcasm. The level some people stoop to these days. I don't know. I hope I have managed to adhere to the Queens English in this post. Who could imagine the wrath I might feel otherwise. Water ... Duck ... Back.
I am positive that you do not have to pass a grammar test to be a self respecting Kiwi or support the AB's. Someone is definetly misinfomed. Oh .... I think that I just clicked, it was sarcasm. The level some people stoop to these days. I don't know. I hope I have managed to adhere to the Queens English in this post. Who could imagine the wrath I might feel otherwise. Water ... Duck ... Back.
Posted by: Tweedledum, Green Army on 2:09pm Sat 3 May 08
I agree with Mr Winterbottom. Like Quins, I belive Oxon have missed a trick in not selecting the dynamic openside that is the Green Army number 7. He also prefers the harder pitches and dry conditions as this allows him to ply his open running game, rather than the wet boggy conditions normally favoured by amphibious reptiles.
I say Peter, are those rumours about yourself and a certain Gareth Thomas true?
I agree with Mr Winterbottom. Like Quins, I belive Oxon have missed a trick in not selecting the dynamic openside that is the Green Army number 7. He also prefers the harder pitches and dry conditions as this allows him to ply his open running game, rather than the wet boggy conditions normally favoured by amphibious reptiles.
I say Peter, are those rumours about yourself and a certain Gareth Thomas true?
Posted by: Gareth Edwards, Wales on 10:09pm Sun 4 May 08
Well done Ed for selecting the correct picture to go with this story. Nick Sevier proved to be the right choice being the scorer of Oxfordshires only try in a 66-8 defeat.
Well done Ed for selecting the correct picture to go with this story. Nick Sevier proved to be the right choice being the scorer of Oxfordshires only try in a 66-8 defeat.
Posted by: WInters, Canary Wharf on 1:04pm Tue 6 May 08
I'm not Welsh but he is.
Were Legends if thats what your getting at.
Loggerhead needs to get on the farm this summer to make hay and wrestle with the truffle hunters to build his upper body up. Nice legs though.
I'm not Welsh but he is.
Were Legends if thats what your getting at.
Loggerhead needs to get on the farm this summer to make hay and wrestle with the truffle hunters to build his upper body up. Nice legs though.
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