RUGBY: Oxon lifted by Newbury trio

4:13pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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The Newbury trio of Tom Payne, Gregor Hayter and Martin Nutt all come in for Oxfordshire's home game with Eastern Counties at Chinnor tomorrow (3).

Payne and Hayter can both play in the back and second row, while Nutt will add potency on the wing.

Realistically, Oxfordshire need to win the match with Eastern Counties to stay clear of the relegation place in their south pool, having already lost 66-8 to Cornwall.

Coach John Brodley said: "The Newbury boys definitely strengthen it up.

"Looking at the Eastern Counties side from last week, they were far weaker than the Cornwall team we faced.

"Given that we are at home and Chinnor have not lost there all season, we'll be looking to build on that.

"We have got some tough games, but we are especially looking forward to playing at home.

"Playing at Chinnor will make a difference, especially with the home crowd behind us."

Oxfordshire have injury concerns over full back Huw Jones and centre Matt Goode, while lock Sam Black is trying to secure time off work.

Oxford Harlequins' back-row forward Paddy Soper, plus Chinnor backs Jaike Carter and Pip Seymour also come in.

Ed Rixon, Phil Rowe and Phil Huxford all featured against Cornwall, but miss out this time.

Brodley added: "If those guys come through their injuries, that's my 22.

"I've given them time to prove their fitness."

Eastern Counties comprise Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, so certainly have a population advantage over Oxon!

They were promoted from the Plate last season and defeated relegated Hertfordshire 33-23 in their first match.

Eight of their starting XV in that match came from North Walsham, who have just been relegated from National 3 South.

Hartpury College fly half Paul Clifford made sure of that victory over Hertfordshire by kicking two late penalties.

In the other match in the pool tomorrow, Cornwall will be seeking their first away win in three years when they play Hertfordshire at Hertford.

Oxfordshire: from Winpenny (Chinnor), Needham (Oxford Harlequins), Whelan (Chinnor), Eckert (Oxford Harlequins), Cawston (Chinnor), Hutchings (capt, Chinnor), Black (Chinnor), Pearson (Blue Boar), Payne (Newbury), Hayter (Newbury), Soper (Oxford Harlequins), Bannister (Banbury), Cope (Oxford Harlequins), Sewell (Oxford Harlequins), Cathcart (Chinnor), Goode (Rugby Lions), Williams (Chinnor), Nutt (Newbury), Carter (Chinnor), P Seymour (Chinnor), H Jones (Oxford Harlequins), Sevier (Grove).