Super Saturday continues with Wheatley 2nds hosting local rivals Oxford Harlequins with the hope that this is game that kick starts the season after some tough fixtures. Quins are a team that Wheatley know well, having played each other three times last year (4 if you count the end of season ‘Fathers and Sons’ game), with Wheatley winning 2 (3 including the end of season game!) of those meetings. Quin’s currently lie 4th in the BBO 4 North having secured wins against Witney and a remarkable 53-54 win against Harwell.

As usual with home games, Wheatley will look to field a strong squad, with the rarity of substitutes also present. Jake Durbin once again starts at Hooker, with Joe Hyde and Max Ruester joining the front row after Pete Ramsdale’s valiant attempt against Hungerford. Mike Lasko and Captain Pete Ramsdale start in the second row whilst Matt Gibb and Jim Shrimpton retain their places in the back row alongside Joe Hobdell who makes his first start of the year for the 2nd team.

An exciting back line sees Andy Caldicott start at scrum half, with Kevin Chatain bringing some international flair to the number 10 shirt. World’s Strongest man Ben Kelsey returns to the fold at centre, with regular James Bowley starting outside him. Antonio Marino adds more international flair to the side as he starts on the wing, with Dan Blomfield looking to put his handling nightmare from his last appearance to bed as he starts on the other wing. Hot stepping Celt, Irish Jonny Wilson returns to the full back position he made his own last season.

A strong bench containing forwards Toby Pocock, Matthew Richards, Rob Cook and debutant Harry Bower will allow some of the more ‘experienced’ players to have a well deserved rest midway through the game, whilst the backs can rely on two more debutants in the form of French Kevin and Francis

Forwards: M Rüester, J Durbin, J Hyde, M Lasko, P Ramsdale (C), M Gibb, J Hobdell, J Shrimpton, M Richards, T Pocock, R Cook, H Bowers

Backs: A Caldicott, K Chatain, D Blomfield, B Kelsey, J Bowley, A Marino, J Wilson, Francis, French Kevin