Shield debut for Cornwall (From Falmouth Packet)

Shield debut for Cornwall

10:47am Wednesday 30th April 2008

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CORNWALL and Oxfordshire will lock horns at Redruth RFC at 3pm on Saturday in the opening fixture of the County Championship Shield Cornwall, who were relegated into the Shield last season, will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing term in 2007 which saw the former County Championship greats win only one game.

They have a new coaching team in place this season with Dave "Benji" Thomas, Richard Lamb, Ian Morgan and Alan Paver leading the side. Thomas famously led Cornwall to County Championship glory in 1991.

In contrast Oxford go into this game with consistency under their belts. John Brodley is once again at the helm as head coach and he will be picking his players from Chinnor and Oxford Harlequins with a sprinkling of players from Newbury and Henley.

Brodley said: "The bulk of this side has been together for a number of years and that is a big plus for us. We do have a new captain in Matt Hutchins and he led Chinnor to the South West I title this season. He leads from the front and is a tremendous captain.

"He is highly respected by everyone and I have every faith in him getting the full potential out of this squad."

Oxfordshire head into the clash hoping to improve on last season's 22-22 draw against the Cornishmen.

Brodley added: "We know Cornwall might be able draw some big name players from the heavy weight clubs there, but we are feeling optimistic."

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