No love lost between Wheeler and Dean

Peter Wheeler and Dean Richards become the best of enemies today when Leicester's chief executive and the Tigers' coach prowl opposite touchlines in Hinckley as Joe Wheeler and his unbeaten Oakham side attempt to knock Deano's old school John Cleveland out of the Daily Mail Under 18 Cup.

'John Cleveland are always tough and uncompromising with a few tricks up their sleeve,' said Wheeler. 'After all, they did produce Deano and Graham Rowntree!'

Son Joe is the youngest of three rugby playing brothers schooled at Oakham. Ben captained England Schools three years ago; Tom led Oakham last season; and Joe, an open-side flanker playing two years young in the Ist XV, has the potential to go all the way. He played in the Midlands 16 Group side which beat the South West last Sunday and is in contention for an England place.

Whichever team captures a quarter-final place, the Tigers can't lose since both schools have been conveyor belts of talent for the English champions. Centre Oliver Smith, England Under 21 prop Ben Buxton and fly half Sam Vestey are John Cleveland old boys, while Oakham have produced England Under 21 flanker Lewis Moody and England Sevens man Mark Meenan.

The latest gem is Oakham prop Michael Holford, who travelled with Leicester for the Heineken Cup-tie in Pau. He has led Oakham through an unbeaten season but is 20 days too old for Daily Mail Cup games.

His absence, plus home advantage and sticky conditions favouring underdogs John Cleveland make this tie one of the most intriguing so far.