CHIPPING Norton director of rugby Andy Dawson said a shortage of front-row players led to them conceding a walkover against BB&O Premier Division leaders Tadley.

The west Oxfordshire club were unable to field a side on Saturday.

“We have several front-row players injured at the moment and then on Saturday morning we lost our firemen to a shout which robbed us of two more,” explained Dawson.

“We only had one prop left for the game and Tadley didn’t fancy a friendly.

“What can you do?”

HENLEY Hawks pair Alex Penny and Robbie Stapley have been selected for the England Counties squad.

Prop Penny and back-row forward Stapley are among eight newcomers in the group to face the France Federale XV at Nevers on Friday January 31 (8pm).

The duo will join up with former Henley and now Blackheath forward Tom Stradwick.

The England Counties XV, who will also face the Ireland Clubs XV on February 21, is seen as the flagship of the amateur game, with players selected from National 1 and 2 clubs.