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CRICKET: Harrison wants more success for champs Oxford
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| Oxford captain Jason Harrison |
Oxford captain Jason Harrison wants his side to prove last season wasn't a one-off as they begin the defence of their Homes Counties Premier League Division 1 title on Saturday.
Harrison led Oxford to top spot as they exceeded many people's expectations to pip Slough by virtue of fewer games lost after a dramatic race.
But if they are likely to find it harder to hold onto that position.
Harrison said: "I think the squad is nowhere near reaching its potential yet.
"Last year went very well, but one season doesn't make a successful club.
"I want to do it over a four or five-year period.
Oxford have lost the Hole brothers, Stuart and Simon, but recruited overseas players in all-rounder Raj Sharma from New Zealand and opening bowler Joseph Endicott from Queensland.
Endicott will play should Sharma be injured.
"It's been quite a quiet off-season for us," added Harrison
Banbury should be challenging for the title if they keep their squad intact this season.
That's the view of South African skipper Benji Hector, who is returning for his third summer at White Post Road.
"If all our guys remain injury free and available, I think we will be contenders," he said.
They have recruited batsman Simon Hole from Oxford, while Mark Rorich returns after a two-year absence.
They hope to have Northants contracted all-rounder Nathan Hawkes, a former Banbury junior, on dual registration.
Shahbaz Ali is raring to go after taking over from Dave Taylor as Kidlington captain in Diviison 2 West.
Kidlington came close to the title last season and must be among the favourites to go up this time.
"It's a great challenge for me to be captain," said Shahbaz. "I'm really excited about it."
"Promotion is always the target, but we'll see how it goes."
Kidlington have recruited Faisal Chaudry from Morris Motors and Oxford Downs wicket-keeper Noel Pearson as well as overseas player Chade Stenhodlt.
Vice-captain Andy Buckingham is in his last season.
Availability is the watch word as Thame Town bid for a more consistent campaign.
Rob Brooks, who is also acting chairman, takes over from Adam Krol as captain, but Krol will bat at No 3.
Thame's youth policy is bearing fruit with Michael Beard and Mitchell Meredith both stepping up to the first team squad.
Spinner Steve Merry won't be around much due to business commitments in Chicago, which is one of the reasons Thame have recruited Michael Higgs from Dinton.
Wicket-keeper Andy Wynd has joined Tring Park to further his county ambitions with Bucks.
Chris Mitty joins from Cumnor as a replacement.
5:07pm Thursday 8th May 2008
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