JON Lavin is hoping to make more cup memories as Chinnor Falcons take on Oxford Quins under the Kingsey Road lights tomorrow night (7:45pm).

The sides go head-to-head in the first round of the Oxfordshire Cup, with our 2nd XV beginning their defence of the county competition.

With local bragging rights also on the line, we are looking forward to what promises to be a thrilling contest and the perfect start to the weekend.

Chinnor have won the Oxfordshire Cup eight times and experienced campaigner Jon Lavin played in our 2012, 2013 and 2020 successes.

The second row has come up against Quins on countless occasions in this competition and is looking forward to the fixture.

Lavin said: "We've been aware of this game since about mid-October and we've been drumming it into the boys, saying make sure you're available and raring to go because this cup is important for us and the heritage of the Club.

"This competition is special and a lot of the boys from 10-12 years ago still talk about their memories from cup matches."

He added: "It's definitely a friendly rivalry between Chinnor and Quins, and the nice thing about the County Cup is it's also a good chance to play against some of your mates from the county.

"It's good to see the likes of Oxford Quins and Banbury doing well in their league after being promoted.

"Quins are coming off a big game against Banbury and we're coming out of a physical contest with Esher Cardinals, and it should be a good game under the lights.

"If it's a nice evening there should be some good running rugby on show, although that doesn't really suit my game!"

Playing under the floodlights always makes the occasion that little bit more special, and we all enjoyed the midweek Falcons fixtures against the RAF and Navy last season.

Jon added: "It's nice for the Falcons boys because you're often playing at the same time as the First XV, whether it's at the same place or elsewhere.

"These games under the lights are the main focus. We often get a good crowd, and some of my best memories with the Falcons are the midweek Army and RAF games.

"Earlier this year was a classic against the RAF with Greg (Goodfellow)'s conversion winning it in the last play - hopefully it won't be as dramatic as that this Friday, but a similar performance would be really good."