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Brodley backs loyal Milburn

From the archive, first published Friday 2nd Dec 2005.

CHINNOR coach John Brodley has praised lock Andy Milburn's loyalty ahead of tomorrow's South West 1 clash with Spartans (SW) at Kingsey Road (2.30).

Brodley, who is looking for his side to bounce back from their disappointing defeat at Reading Abbey, has brought in Milburn to replace the injured Matt Hutchins.

He said: "Matt Hutchins damaged a knee at Roslyn Park last week.

"Andy has put club before country as he was due to play for Denmark against Switzerland on Saturday."

Chinnor are targeting a three-game winning streak before the Christmas break to re-ignite their promotion push.

They recall Bob Harris in place of Eddie Devine at tight-head prop, while Ali Reekie comes in at right wing after starring in last week's friendly at Roslyn Park.

Kiwi and Tongan representative player Sam Soane is on the bench, fresh from competing in New Zealand's National Provincial Champ- ionship.

Prop Gerry Frourie, Tit Hocevar and lock Louis Eggar return for Oxford Harlequins' home game with Weston-Super-Mare.

Kiwi centre Andy Henley has receovered from his facial injury and should play.

Henley Hawks are itching for a return to National 2 action when they travel to Manchester after snow storms prevented Launceston from visiting Dry Leas last week.

Matt Britton, replacing Adam Slade at right wing, and Ian Morrison, instead of Ian Gibbons at hooker, are the only changes from the side named to face the Cornishmen.

Nathan Phillips gets the nod ahead of Johnny Wheater for the No 15 shirt as Witney travel to struggling Slough in Southern Counties North.

Injuries are testing Witney's squad, but they can still select Matt Brocklebank over Mark Serle at loose-head prop and Owen Fowler instead of Martin Lyall at No 8.

BB&O Premier leaders Bicester will have to do with injured duo Sean Cooke (back) and Rob Thurlow (kidney) when they host Swindon College.

Back row Christian Wright is doubtful with a neck-nerve problem, though he could play if he can get the necessary physio in time.

Meanwhile, Bicester have been drawn at home to Gloucester Premier side Barton Hill in the Powergen Junior Vase fifth round on Saturday, December 17.

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