Grove's head coach Craig Burrows is expecting a difficult start to their South West 1 East season when they host local rivals Oxford Harlequins on Saturday.

With former Quins players Ollie Rees (No 8), Elliott Rees (second row) and Graeme Crapper (full back) joining Grove in the summer, Burrows is expecting an exciting opening-day encounter against opponents whom they beat to win the Oxfordshire Cup final in April.

He said: “When the fixtures came out we had a smile on our face and a couple of the boys who have moved over want to do well.

“They (Quins) will be strong and it will be a very difficult game."

“It will be close and good to see how we go – there is no better way of having the excitement of the game and a big local derby.”

Grove have lost flanker Dave Wells to Henley Hawks, while winger Harry Carr has moved out of the area, but New Zealander Mike Martin has been brought in at fly half.

After coming tenth last year, Burrows is targeting the top half.

He said: “We have got a small squad, but if we are lucky with injuries I think we have got to be aiming for top six.”

Meanwhile, Grove’s AGM will be held on September 22 after the initial meeting in June was adjourned.