CAPTAIN James Eckert says coming up against players from higher divisions is all the motivation he needs to demand a performance out of his Oxfordshire teammates.

A commanding 59-27 win over Berkshire in their County Championship Shield opener at Chipping Norton saw Oxfordshire top Pool 1 on points difference after the first weekend.

Head coach Craig Burrows’ squad consists of players from Oxford Harlequins, Grove, Witney, Bicester and Banbury.

In contrast, 12 of Berkshire’s starting 15 ply their trade for National League 3 South West sides Redingensians and Bracknell – a level only Quins played at this season.

However, Oxfordshire caught the visitors off guard and Berkshire were 27-0 down after 30 minutes.

Eckert accepted the visitors had a stronger squad on paper, and insists Oxfordshire’s togetherness will be a key component to their success this year.

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“We’re fully aware that we’re playing players who, on paper, are better than us or play at a higher level, but that is my way of motivating everybody to get a performance,” he said.

“If you get in their faces and work hard you will win regardless of what level you play at.

“Berkshire expected to win because they would have looked at our team sheet and seen we had guys from Grove, Bicester and Witney.

“County rugby is all about being a team and the best team wins, not the best players.”

Eckert continued: “We started a week earlier with our training.

“I think it showed when we came out of the blocks firing and they were shellshocked.”

Oxfordshire travel to Buckinghamshire on Saturday, who lost 45-14 to Leicestershire last weekend.

Eckert added: “It sets a bar but we can’t relax.

“We have got to get better week by week.”