RUGBY UNION: Chinnor have learnt lessons

9:04pm Thursday 4th September 2008

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Jason Bowers says Chinnor have learned the lessons from their nightmare debut in National 3 South as they prepare for a second bite at the cherry.

Chinnor finished rock bottom of the table in 2006/07 after failing to cope with the demands of National League rugby in a campaign that saw Bowers replace John Brodley as head coach.

Since then, the Thame-based club have bounced back in style to win South West 1 and Bowers is now targeting a mid-table finish this time.

"I think the lessons have been learnt," said Bowers.

"We have been up there and experienced what the National League is like.

"We are optimistic that those lessons from two seasons ago will stand us in good stead this time.

"It is a blow to lose players from last season such as Zane Winslade, Andrew McGuire and Phil Huxford, but that has a lot do with the new registration rules.

"But the guys we have signed are all good players and our squad is strong.

"It may take four or five weeks for them to gel completely, but we are optimistic."

Chinnor have two Australians in flanker Angus Nielsen and No 8 Tom Jones, plus Kiwi back row Dave Jackson.

But the majority of their signings are from English clubs, the most local being prop James Eckert from Oxford Harlequins.

Chinnor are also boosted by the return of wing Eric Brown and back row forward Harry Jackman after long-term injuries.

As for their targets, Bowers added: "We are looking to challenge for a mid-table finish this season and to enjoy a competitive and tough National League campaign."

IN: Angus Ellis (hooker, Wasps Academy), Tom Jordan (lock/back row, Worthing), James Eckert (prop, Oxford Harlequins), Angus Nielsen (open-side flanker, Western Force Academy, Australia), Dave Jackson (back row, New Zealand), Tom Jones (No 8, Quenybeyan Whites, Australia), Chris Rowley (scrum half, Stourbridge), Toby Prescott (scrum half, Tring & UWIC), James Serrano (centre, Old Albanians & Oxford Harlequins), Alex Wallace (utility back, Reading), Ben Hewitt (full back, East's, Australia). Eric Brown (wing, back from knee injury), Harry Jackman (back row, back from knee injury).

OUT: Phil Huxford (wing/full back), Zane Winslade (back row), Andrew McGuire (back row), Jaike Carter (wing), Arno Brendenham (hooker).

ONE TO WATCH: Angus Nielsen.

LAST SEASON: 1st, South West 1.

PREDICTION: Survival.