RUGBY UNION: Heading west (From thisisoxfordshire)

RUGBY UNION: Heading west

11:00am Friday 3rd September 2010 in

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Midlands 1 West preview

Banbury Bulls face a host of new opponents after securing promotion.

Having won Midlands 2 East South, they have been transferred to Midlands 1 West where they will face the likes of Walsall, Bournville and Lichfield.

Bulls have lost regular locks Nick Pratt and David Phipps, but have three new second rows in Anthony McClellan, Dan Kelcher and Paul Saville to replace them.

Head coach Grant Homes is determined Bulls fare better than their last season at this level, which saw just three wins, and is targeting a mid-table finish.

Holmes said: “We know that it will be tough, but with the squad looking stronger this season, we are confident that we will put up a much better showing this time around.”

IN: Anthony McClellan (lock, Gosford All Blacks), Dan Kelcher (lock, Prague), Edward Soppet (prop/hooker, Banbury Colts), Paul Saville (lock, Banbury Colts).

OUT: Nick Pratt (lock, Broadstreet), Jed Boyle (wing, Kenilworth), David Phipps (lock, retired), Mathew Shepley (prop, injury).

LAST SEASON: Champions, Midlands 2 East South.

PREDICTION: Survival.